Compound SentencesChapter 9

Basic Grammar and Usage

Choy & Clark

(Sentences constructed from an analysis of This Boy’s Life by Tobias Wolff)

What is a COMPOUND SENTENCE? Contains at least two subjects and two verbs.

S-V / S-V

Example: Toby desires acceptance, yet he hides from caring mother figures.

Compound: “having two or more parts”

Two Rules: A compound sentence can be divided into two parts, each of which can be a

separate sentence by itself. Toby cuts off his finger in woodshop. + He becomes addicted to morphine.

A compound sentence consists of at least two independent clauses joined together to form a single sentence. **Note comma after first sentence.

Toby cuts off his finger in woodshop, and he becomes addicted to morphine.

1. Coordinating CONJUNCTIONS: F A N B O Y S Conjunctions used in compound sentences are called COORDINATING conjunctions.

For (when it means because)

And

Nor

But

Or

Yet

So

2. Using a Semicolon (;) Join closely related sentences using a semicolon in

place of both the comma and the coordinating conjunction.

Example: Toby is unable to stop chattering like a

gibbon; he drives Dwight’s stolen car in pure terror.

3. Using Conjunctive Adverbs Conjunctive adverbs (1) CONNECT, like other conjunctions, and (2) MODIFY,

like other adverbs.

Conjunctive adverbs are used in more formal language. **HINT: your paper!

Common conjunctive adverbs:

also, furthermore, instead, anyway, hence, likewise, besides, however, meanwhile, consequently, incidentally, moreover, finally, indeed, nevertheless, next, still, therefore, nonetheless, then, thus, otherwise

How to use conjunctive adverbs A semicolon is required between the clauses (or sentences).

A comma follows the conjunctive adverb.

Example:

Toby desires esteem and respectability from the world;

however, he is unable to earn them and eventually seeks attention from the wrong peers.