Compound Sentences

True or False: The acronym FANBOYS can help you remember the coordinating conjunctions.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So, which are the seven coordinating conjunctions used to form compound sentences.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.5.1A

Which group of words are all coordinating conjunctions, also known as FANBOYS?

• for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

• because, since, while, although

• in, on, at, with, for

• however, therefore, moreover

Answer explanation

These seven words are the coordinating conjunctions used with a comma to join two independent clauses. The other options list subordinating conjunctions, prepositions, or conjunctive adverbs.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.5.1A

A compound sentence is made of two or more...

• dependent clauses joined by a comma.

• independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

• subjects and one verb.

• simple sentences with no punctuation between them.

Answer explanation

A compound sentence must join two complete thoughts (independent clauses) using the correct formula: Independent Clause, + FANBOYS + Independent Clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

True or False: The sentence 'My brother plays guitar and sings in a band' is a compound sentence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is a simple sentence with a compound predicate ('plays guitar and sings'). It does not contain two independent clauses, as the second part does not have its own subject.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Which of the following sentences is a correctly written compound sentence?

• The dog barked, and wagged its tail.

• I like pizza but my sister likes pasta.

• We can go to the beach, or we can go to the pool.

• She finished her homework she went outside.

Answer explanation

This sentence correctly joins two independent clauses with a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'or'. The other options have punctuation errors or are not true compound sentences.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.3.1I

Complete the sentence with the best coordinating conjunction: I wanted to get a new video game, _____ I had to save my allowance first.

• so

• but

• or

• for

Answer explanation

The word 'but' is used to show a contrast or a problem. The desire to get a game contrasts with the need to save money first.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.5.1A

Which sentence is different from the others because it is NOT a compound sentence?

• The team practiced hard, so they won the championship.

• I read the book, but I haven't seen the movie yet.

• My mom and dad went to the store and bought groceries.

• You can have the apple, or you can have the orange.

Answer explanation

This is a simple sentence with a compound verb ('went... and bought'). The other three options are all compound sentences, each joining two independent clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.3.1I

Complete the sentence: The storm was getting worse, _____ we decided to cancel the picnic.

• yet

• or

• so

• but

Answer explanation

The word 'so' is used to show a result or consequence. Because the storm was getting worse, the result was that the picnic was canceled.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.5.1A

True or False: You need to add a comma before 'but' in the sentence 'The movie was long but exciting.'

• True

• False

Answer explanation

No comma is needed because 'exciting' is not an independent clause; it doesn't have a subject. The word 'but' is connecting two adjectives, not two independent clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Complete the sentence by correctly joining the two independent clauses: My alarm didn't go off this morning; _____ I was late for school.

• so,

• and

• therefore,

• but

Answer explanation

To join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore', you must use a semicolon before it and a comma after it. This structure correctly shows the cause-and-effect relationship.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A