In English, there are four types of sentences. In this unit, we’ll learn about compound sentences.
As we learned in Unit 5, a simple sentence is made up of one independent clause. An independent clause must have a subject, a verb, and be a complete idea:
- My brother repairs windshields.
A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses:
- My brother repairs windshields, but my sister repairs electronics.
To put two independent clauses together, we use a comma and a coordinator.
There are seven coordinators:
- for
- and
- nor
- but
- or
- yet
- so
An easy way to remember them all is to use the first letter of each coordinator: FANBOYS.
Each coordinator gives a different meaning to the two independent clauses it connects:
| For | (gives a reason) | They took care of her car, for it had a malfunction. |
| And | (adds more information) | John filled the tank, and Alice washed the windshield. |
| Nor | (adds information to a negative sentence) | I don’t like movies, nor do I like TV. |
| But | (shows contrast) | Sandra studied very hard, but she didn’t pass the test. |
| Or | (shows choice) | You can eat lunch in the break room, or you can eat lunch in the office. |
| Yet | (strong surprising contrast) | My friend enters a lot of races, yet he never wins. |
| So | (shows the result) | I was very tired, so I went to bed early. |
The most common coordinators are and, but, so and or. For, nor, and yet are more formal and less common.
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.