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Ways of Combining Two Simple Sentences into a Compound Sentence

January 8th, 2010 in English Grammar, English Learning

A compound sentence has two or more coordinate clauses. It can be formed only with the help of coordinating conjunctions.

By using the conjunctions and, both…and, not only…but also, as well as

The conjunctions and, both…and etc., merely add one statement to another.

He got up. He walked away.
He got up and walked away.

He has many friends. He also has several enemies.
Not only has he many friends but also several enemies.

John has arrived. Peter has also arrived.
John as well as Peter has arrived.

By using but, yet, whereas, nevertheless etc.

These conjunctions are used to join two or more contrasting statements.

He is rich. He is unhappy.
He is rich but he is unhappy.

Tom is ambitious. His brother is quite the reverse.
Tom is ambitious whereas his brother is quite the reverse.

He had little chance of success. He decided to go ahead.
He had little chance of success, nevertheless he decided to go ahead.

By using or, either…or, nor, neither…nor, otherwise etc.

These conjunctions are used to combine two alternative facts or statements.

You can have tea. You can have coffee.
You can have tea or coffee.

He does not smoke. He does not drink.
He neither smokes nor drinks.

You must study hard. You will not pass the examination.
You must study hard otherwise you will not pass the examination.

By using for, so

These conjunctions are used when you have to make an inference from one statement or fact.

Something fell down. I heard a thud.
Something fell down for I heard a thud.

He is working hard. He will pass.

He is working hard so he will pass.