compound sentence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic, Educational
Quick answer
What does “compound sentence” mean?
A sentence composed of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sentence composed of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, etc.), a semicolon, or a conjunctive adverb.
In grammar, a sentence structure that combines multiple complete thoughts of equal importance, often to show a relationship such as addition, contrast, or choice. The term can also be used in legal contexts to describe a sentence composed of multiple individual sentences served concurrently or consecutively, but the grammatical sense is primary in general usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant grammatical differences. Spelling of related terms may follow national conventions (e.g., analyse/analyze). The conceptual teaching and terminology are identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in educational and linguistic contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “compound sentence” in a Sentence
[Independent Clause] + coordinating conjunction + [Independent Clause][Independent Clause] + ; + [Independent Clause][Independent Clause] + ; + conjunctive adverb + , + [Independent Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “compound sentence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tutor asked us to compound the two simple sentences.
- You can easily compound your ideas using 'and'.
American English
- The teacher had us compound the clauses correctly.
- Learn to compound sentences for better flow.
adjective
British English
- The compound-sentence structure is taught in Year 6.
- He made a compound-sentence error.
American English
- The compound-sentence rule is fundamental.
- Her essay had a compound-sentence problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in writing training to promote clear, structured communication, e.g., 'Reports should use compound sentences to link related findings.'
Academic
A core concept in grammar, linguistics, and composition textbooks and pedagogy.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of educational contexts or discussions about writing.
Technical
A precise term in descriptive and pedagogical grammar.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “compound sentence”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “compound sentence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “compound sentence”
- Using a comma alone to join two independent clauses (comma splice).
- Confusing it with a complex sentence.
- Using a coordinating conjunction without a comma preceding it (in standard usage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A compound sentence joins independent (main) clauses of equal importance. A complex sentence joins an independent clause with one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses.
Yes, a compound sentence can contain three or more independent clauses, usually joined by commas and coordinating conjunctions (e.g., I came, I saw, and I conquered).
Typically, yes. A comma usually precedes the coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses. The main exception is when the clauses are very short and closely connected (e.g., I cooked and he cleaned).
It improves writing variety, clarity, and the ability to express relationships between ideas, preventing a choppy, simplistic style.
A sentence composed of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, etc.
Compound sentence is usually formal, academic, educational in register.
Compound sentence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmpaʊnd ˈsentəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmpaʊnd ˈsentəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chemical compound where two separate elements bond equally. A COMPOUND sentence bonds two complete sentences equally with a conjunction like 'and' or 'but'.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRAMMAR IS CONSTRUCTION (building a sentence by joining clauses), THOUGHT IS A CHAIN (linking independent ideas).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct compound sentence?