compound sentence

(noun)

A compound sentence is composed of at least two independent clauses.

Related Terms

  • imperative sentence
  • declarative sentence
  • simple sentences
  • interrogative sentence
  • exclamatory sentence
  • dependent clause
  • complex-compound sentence
  • independent clause
  • complex sentence
  • compound-complex sentence

(noun)

Multiple independent clauses with no subordinate clauses.

Related Terms

  • imperative sentence
  • declarative sentence
  • simple sentences
  • interrogative sentence
  • exclamatory sentence
  • dependent clause
  • complex-compound sentence
  • independent clause
  • complex sentence
  • compound-complex sentence

Examples of compound sentence in the following topics:

  • Using Varied Sentence Lengths and Styles

    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • Structural classifications for sentences include: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • A compound sentence consists of multiple independent clauses with no subordinate clauses.
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • The fifth sentence is compound.
  • Structure of a Sentence

    • Structural classifications for sentences include simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • Compound sentences connected with "and" make connections between ideas.
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • The compound sentence makes the connection clear. 
    • Does the prose sound convoluted because I use too many compound-complex sentences?
  • Subject-Verb Agreement

    • In order for sentences to sound right, their verbs and subjects need to mesh well together.
    • Compound sentences (two sentences joined by a clause) have a subject and verb in each clause.
    • Sometimes modifying phrases can come between the subject and verb of a sentence.
    • Sometimes the subject of a sentence can come after its verb.
    • Compound subjects (two subjects joined by a conjunction) take plural verbs if they are joined by "and."
  • Components of a Sentence

    • In active-voice sentences, it is the noun or pronoun performing the action in the sentence.
    • in a sentence.
    • In a given sentence, there may be more than one of any of the five core sentence elements.
    • Compound elements can include:
    • Compound predicate: He ran to the house and knocked on the door.
  • Making Subject and Verbs Agree

    • If a sentence has a compound subject, you should use a plural verb even if all the components of the subject are singular nouns.
    • Incorrect sentence: My dog and my cat likes to be petted.
    • Correct sentence: My dog and my cat like to be petted.
    • Note that this is the case specifically because of the word "or. " If the phrase was "the monkey's antics and the handler's chagrin," it would be a compound subject and take the plural verb "cause. "
    • Correct sentence: The Anderson kids, as well as their mother, like visiting New York.
  • Varying Your Sentence Structure and Vocabulary

    • Clauses: The easiest way to vary sentence length and structure is with clauses.
    • Length: Longer sentences are better suited for expressing complex thoughts.
    • Here's the rewritten version, with attention paid to sentence variation:
    • Of course, if all the sentences were compound like these, the paper would begin to sound either pretentious or exhausting. 
    • Vary the types of sentences you use to keep your paper interesting.
  • Em-Dashes and En-Dashes

    • Dashes are often used to mark interruptions within sentences, or to show the relationships between words.
    • Dashes are often used to mark interruptions within sentences.
    • Em dashes are also sometimes used to summarize or define prior information in a sentence.
    • An exception to the use of en dashes is made, however, when combined with an already hyphenated compound.
    • The title contains an example of em dash usage, which, in this case, shows a break in the sentence.
  • Structure of a Sentence

  • Apostrophes

    • In sentences where two individuals own one thing jointly, add the possessive apostrophe to the last noun.
    • In cases of compound nouns composed of more than one word, place the apostrophe after the last noun.
    • If the word or compound includes, or even ends with, a punctuation mark, an apostrophe and an "s" are still added in the usual way.
    • All of your sentences end with a's.
    • (As opposed to "All of your sentences end with as.")
  • Ending Punctuation

    • Recall that declarative sentences make statements and imperative sentences give commands.
    • (imperative sentence)
    • (declarative sentence containing an imperative statement)
    • (declarative sentence with a direct question)
    • (declarative sentence that includes an exclamation)
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