What is a Compound Sentence?
A compound sentence is a sentence with at least two independent clauses.
| Compound Sentence |
| independent clause |
| I drink green tea, but they drink coffee. |
|
but is the joining method |
| Both clauses could stand alone as a sentence |
| A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses. |
An independent clause (unlike a dependent clause) can stand alone as a sentence.
Examples of Compound Sentences
Below are examples of compound sentences. In each example, the independent clauses are italicised.
- Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. (Albert Einstein, 1879-1955)
- There used to be a real me, but I had it surgically removed. (Peter Sellers, 1925-1980)
- Go, and never darken my towels again. (Groucho Marx, 1890-1977)
- (Note: Go is the shortest sentence in English.)
- Any fool can criticise, condemn, and complain – and most fools do. (Dale Carnegie)
Joining the Independent Clauses in a Compound Sentence
In a compound sentence, the independent clauses are joined using one of the following methods:
- A conjunction with a comma (e.g. “and”)
- I like tea, and he likes coffee.
Read more about conjunctions.
- A semicolon
- I like hot chocolate; it sends me to sleep.
Read more about using semicolons.
- A colon
- I know one thing: I love that girl.
(This is rare because the words after a colon are not often an independent clause.)
Read more about using colons.
- A dash
- I know you’re here — I can smell your perfume.
Read more about using dashes.
- A conjunction with a semicolon (e.g., “; and”)
- After the lights went out, I could hear you whispering; and I know you were talking about me.
(This is rare because it’s an outdated style.)
Read more about using semicolons before conjunctions.
The Four Types of Sentence Structure
A compound sentence is one of four main sentence structures, all of which are shown below. In these examples, the independent clauses are shaded.
A Complex Sentence. A complex sentence has an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. For example:
- Diplomacy is the art of saying “nice doggie” until you can find a rock. (Will Rogers, 1879-1935)
A Compound Sentence. A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses. For example:
- Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. (Joseph Heller, 1923-1999) (Jane Wagner)
(This example has three independent clauses.)
A Simple Sentence. A simple sentence has just one independent clause. For example:
- A country can be judged by the quality of its proverbs. (German Proverb)
A Compound-Complex Sentence. A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. For example:
- I stopped believing in Santa Claus when he asked for my autograph in a department store, but I still want to believe in him.
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AGH / Jan 2020