To determine if two clauses can be joined in a compound sentence, we can ask ourselves three simple questions:

Q1. Does each clause contain a subject and a verb?

Q2. Can each clause stand alone to express a complete thought?

Q3. Are the two clauses closely related and of equal or similar importance?

To form a compound sentence, we have several options—we can use a coordinating conjunction, a correlative conjunction, a conjunctive adverb, or a semicolon.

When we use a coordinating conjunction, FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) to form a compound sentence, it is preceded by a comma.

Correlative conjunctions [either ... or ..., just as ... so ..., neither ... nor ..., not only ... but also ..., whether ... or ...] are sets of conjunctions that are always used together.

Since correlative conjunctions come in pairs, with each conjunction preceding an independent clause, they can join a maximum of two independent clauses together.

Another common way to form a compound sentence is to use a conjunctive adverb. Some common conjunctive adverbs are: accordingly, moreover, nevertheless, in fact, nonetheless, otherwise, as a result.

Conjunctive adverbs can only be used to join independent clauses.

Conjunctive adverbs are used to indicate a specific relationship between the two independent clauses.

When we use a conjunctive adverb to form a compound sentence, it is preceded by a semicolon (;) and followed by a comma (,).

If the two independent clauses are very closely related and the reader has enough information to understand the relationship between them from the context alone, we can join the clauses using a semicolon without a conjunction.

A comma splice occurs when we join two independent clauses with a comma.

A comma is not strong enough to separate two independent clauses on its own.

Run-on sentences can occur when we join two independent clauses without the correct punctuation or conjunction.

Compound sentences are made up of two (or more) ________.

The two clauses in a compound sentence can be joined using ________.

Which of the following sentences is punctuated incorrectly?

Complete the following compound sentence with the correct conjunction.

He’s a great rock climber; ________ , he’s a terrible skier.

Complete the following compound sentence with the correct conjunction.

I don’t mind what we do tonight. We can go bowling, ________ we can see a movie.

Read the compound sentence below.

Just as baseball is loved in America, so cricket is loved in England.

The independent clauses are joined by _____.