Lesson 248 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound Sentences

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A clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is always used as some part of speech. It can be an adjective, adverb, or noun. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

A phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. It does not have a subject and a verb. It can be a noun, adjective, or adverb. We have studied the following phrases: prepositional, gerund, participial, and infinitive.

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.)  A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Example: 

She talks and he listens.

The conjunction should express the proper relationship between the clauses. And joins ideas of equal importance. Or joins clauses that express alternatives. Nor joins negative ideas together. But joins clauses that express contrasting ideas.

Instructions: Combine the following sentences using the appropriate co-ordinate conjunctions, and, but, or, and nor.

1. Mother wanted to watch the movie. Dad wanted to see the wrestling.

2. You must remember your password. You cannot log on.

3. I wanted to walk across the river. The ice was too thin.

4. It was a warm, beautiful day. My desires matched the day perfectly.

5. You did not help your brother. He doesn't expect you to help him.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Mother wanted to watch the movie, but Dad wanted to see the wrestling.

2. You must remember your password, or you cannot log on.

3. I wanted to walk across the river, but the ice was too thin.

4. It was a warm, beautiful day, and my desires matched the day perfectly.

5. You did not help your brother, nor does he expect you to do so.

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