Compound sentence in English grammar

Compound sentence

In English, a compound sentence consists of two or more equivalent parts. Unlike a complex sentence, a compound sentence consists of independent simple sentences that can exist separately from each other without losing the meaning of the statement.

Complex sentences can be joined using: and, but, yet, or, either … or, etc.

  • I was pressed for time because of my exams, yet I decided to accept his invitation
  • We can stay at home and watch TV, or you can go to the cinema alone

Complex sentences can also be joined without additional words:

  • Му friends are understanding and sympathetic people; they are always ready to help
  • Clouds overcast the sky, it looks like raining

Methods of combining complex sentences

Copulative coordination

Conjunctions use the conjunctions and, nor, neither … nor, not only … but, etc.

  • We went to school and had three lessons there

Disjunctive coordination

It is formed using the conjunctions or, else, or else, either … or and the adverb otherwise

  • Remember the map or you’ll get lost in the city

Adversative coordination

With the help of conjunctions but, yet, while, whereas, and adverbs nevertheless, still 

  • We waited for Mike, but he didn’t call us

Causative-consecutive coordination

It is formed using the conjunctions for, so and the adverb therefore, accordingly, consequently, hence

  • The birds were singing, the sun was shining
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