Forming a compound sentence by joining two simple sentences

August 16th, 2010 in English Grammar, English Learning

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

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

These conjunctions merely add one statement to another.

The man got up. He walked away.
The man got up and walked away.

He had many supporters. He also had several detractors.
Not only had he many supporters but also several detractors.

John got a prize. Tom also got a prize.
John as well as Tom got a prize.

By using but, yet, nevertheless, whereas

These conjunctions add two contrasting statements.

He is ill. He is cheerful.
He is ill but he is cheerful.

He is rich. He is unhappy.
He is rich, yet unhappy.

He is very industrious. His brother is quite the reverse.
He is very industrious whereas his brother is quite the reverse.

By using or, either…or, nor, neither…nor, otherwise, else

These conjunctions are used when two alternative facts or statements have to be joined.

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

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

You must pay the fine. You will be punished.
You must pay the fine, otherwise you will be punished.