Sentences
Sentences come in multiple forms: simple, complex and compound. Simple sentences are classified as independent clauses with straightforward subject-verb combinations. A complex sentence combines an independent clause with a dependent clause. In a compound sentence, you will see two independent clauses -- or simple sentences -- combined through the use of punctuation and coordinating words.
Instructions
1. Look for a coordinating conjunction that connects two separate subject-verb combinations. Such conjunctions may be one of the following: and, but, or, yet, for, so. Also, you will typically see a comma placed prior to the conjunction in compound sentences. For example, if you have the sentence, "Many popular bands play rock 'n' roll, but others play rhythm and blues," you have a compound sentence with "but" as the conjunction.
2. Look for a semicolon connecting two independent clauses. For example, suppose you're examining the sentence, "Different types of music can be fused together; ska combines rock and reggae." You can conclude this is a compound sentence because the semicolon separates two subject-verb combinations.
3. Examine your sentence to see if it contains a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb to bridge independent clauses. Such adverbs include however, therefore or nevertheless. Consider the following sentence: "People often have set opinions about music; nevertheless, one should keep an open mind." This is a compound sentence that employs a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb -- nevertheless.
Tags: independent clauses, compound sentence, subject-verb combinations, conjunctive adverb, semicolon conjunctive, semicolon conjunctive adverb