Sentence Structure

Compound Sentences
  

Worksheet Objective:
To learn how to recognize and correctly write compound sentences.

This worksheet is one of many worksheets that covers sentence structure; when you complete this one, move on to the next. Be sure to do the Sentence Structure Quiz at the end of all the worksheets.

Compound Sentences

After you correct a run-on sentence using a comma or semicolon, you will end up with a compound sentence.  A compound sentence contains two or more connected independent clauses.  Each clause is independent in that it could stand alone as a sentence.  An independent clause makes a complete statement by itself.  We will talk more about these later.

Compound Sentences
My son jumped off the garage roof, but he wasn't hurt.
My son jumped off the garage roof
but
he wasn't hurt
Independent Clause
Connector
Independent Clause


There are a couple of different ways to punctuate a compound sentence.

A comma is used before the conjunction in compound sentences.  Remember, however, that a compound sentence has two complete thoughts, or two subject-verb sets.  If either part of the compound sentence does not have a subject-verb set, then don’t use a comma before the conjunction.

Jerry bought flowers but forgot to give them to Julie. (the second part of this sentence does not have a subject, so no comma is needed)
Jerry bought flowers, but he forgot to give them to Julie. (this sentence has two complete subject-verb sets, so a comma is used)

The way I remember it is—If there are two complete thoughts, it must need some kind of punctuation; otherwise, it would be a run-on sentence.  Using the words and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so, I know I need a comma.

This is a very tricky rule!  I still have to look it up to be sure, so don’t worry if you don’t have it yet!

Let’s practice!

That last rule on commas is so difficult that I think it would pay to practice it a bit.  I know that some of you reviewed this in the punctuation worksheet, so skip over this practice if you feel comfortable with this rule.

Some of the sentences below need to have a comma inserted before the word and.  Put the comma into the text box where needed.

1.  Tom checked the oil  and put some air in the tires.
2.  Tuan politely requested an application form  and sat down to fill it out.
3.  Tuan politely requested an application form  and after that he sat down to fill it out.
4.  Julio plans to become a diesel mechanic  and Michael wants to play drums in a rock band.
5.  Maria was watching her favorite soap opera  and Toni was studying a racing form.
6.  Every afternoon Dawn drinks a cup of tea   and retires to the den to harass the canary.

 

A semi colon is used in a compound sentence when the sentence contains a connecting word, like the ones in the table below.

When you punctuate a compound sentence, you must put a semicolon

BEFORE the connector and a comma AFTER the connector. Take a look at the following examples:

Jose went to the market; however, he forgot his list of groceries that his wife gave him.
The stock price went down considerably; therefore, we don't get much of a Christmas bonus this year.
Please make sure that you finish cleaning the bathroom; in addition, the living room should also be dusted. 

CONNECTORS USED WITH SEMICOLONS IN A COMPOUND SENTENCE

moreover, furthermore, in addition –adds related information (like and)

however, nevertheless –shows a contrasting or unexpected situation (like but )

therefore, consequently –links cause to effect (like so)

otherwise—shows an alternative (like or )

for instance, for example –gives specifics to illustrate a general idea

then—shows time order                                                                    

 

Practice:

Combine each pair of sentences below by choosing the best connector and the correct punctuation.  Refer to the chart above if you’re unsure which one to use.  Then rewrite the sentences in the text area below each sentence.

  1. The bus driver was frequently late to work.  She lost her job.
    a.  however
    b.  therefore
    c.  in addition
    d.  for example


  2. I can’t stand your cooking.  I despise your taste in music.
    a.  moreover
    b. however
    c.  therefore
    d. otherwise


  3. The rear license plate was missing.  The police officer didn’t give Leon a ticket.
    a.  furthermore
    b  however
    c.  consequently
    d  for instance


  4. Catch up on your child support payments by next month.  We’ll garnish your wages.
    a. in addition
    b. however
    c. otherwise
    d. for example


  5. Cynthia is sometimes forgetful.  Once she bought three bags of groceries at the supermarket and drove home without them.
    a.  furthermore
    b.  otherwise
    c.  therefore
    d. for instance


  6. Popcorn is a tasty snack.  It’s more nutritious than candy.
    a. moreover
    b. nevertheless
    c. consequently
    d. for instance


  7. Our ambassador spoke only English.  He needed an interpreter with him at all times.
    a.  furthermore
    b.  however
    c.  consequently
    d. however


  8. Eric was placed on probation for two years.  He was ordered to pay back the money he stole.
    a. in addition
    b. consequently
    c.  for instance
    d. however


  9. She deeply distrusted his motives.  She gave him her address.
    a.       moreover
    b.      therefore
    c.       otherwise
    d.      nevertheless


  10. We hate hot, humid weather.  We plan to stay in tropical Florida.
    a.       in addition
    b.      therefore
    c.       however
    d.      for example

 

Mini-test

 Before we move on to something else, here’s some final practice questions, similar to what you will see on the high school equivalency test. Beneath each sentence you will find five ways of writing the underlined part.  Choose the answer that is best.

1.  Glen didn’t seem to enjoy Tina’s company she didn’t know what to do about it.
a. company she
b. company, she
c. company. She
d. company so she
e. company; and she

2.  The food looked good, however it tasted terrible.
a. good, however
b. good however
c. good, and however
d. good; however,
 e. good; and however

3.  He is successful; because, he has no conscience.
a. successful; because,
 b. successful because
c. successful.  Because
d. successful; because
e. successful, because,

4.  Norman hoped that he could get to work on time, his boss had caught him coming in late twice this week already.
a. time, his
b. time his
c. time; his
d. time; because,
 e. time. Because

5.  The refrigerator works well but the stove has to be fixed.
a. well but
b. well, but
c. well, but,
 d. well; but
e. well; but,

6.  The clock is five minutes fast therefore it is now 7 A.M.
a. fast; therefore,
 b. fast; therefore
c. fast, therefore,
 d. fast, therefore
e. fast therefore,

7.  We wanted to go to the game, the tickets were all sold.
a. game, the tickets
b. game, however the tickets
c. game, however, the tickets
d. game; however the tickets
e. game; however, the tickets          

 

 

Resources:
Cambridge Program for the Writing Test, The. (1981). Cambridge Book Company: New York, NY.
GED Test 1: Writing Skills. (2001). McGraw-Hill/Contemporary: Lincolnwood, IL.
GED: Writing Skills. (1996). Steck-Vaughn Company: Austin, TX.
Hoyt, Cathy Fillmore. (1998). GED Program: Writing Skills. Cambridge Adult Education: Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Pre-GED Writing Skills. (1995). NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group: Lincolnwood, IL.
Strategies for Success: Writing, Pre-GED. (1987). Steck-Vaughn Company: Austin, TX.