What is a Compound Sentence? Definition & Examples with FANBOYS

📚 Quick Study Guide: Compound Sentences & FANBOYS

• ✍️ What is a Compound Sentence? It combines two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences).
• 🔗 How are they joined? Independent clauses are typically joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.
• ✨ Meet the FANBOYS! These are the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
• 📌 Comma Rule: Always place a comma before the coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
• 🎯 FANBOYS Functions:
  • ➕ For: Shows reason/cause (similar to 'because').
  • 🤝 And: Adds information; shows similarity.
  • ❌ Nor: Presents a negative alternative (used with 'neither').
  • 🆚 But: Shows contrast or opposition.
  • ⚖️ Or: Presents an alternative or choice.
  • 💡 Yet: Shows contrast; similar to 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
  • ➡️ So: Shows result or effect.
• 🚫 Common Mistake: Don't confuse compound sentences with simple sentences that have compound subjects or verbs. A compound sentence needs two complete clauses.

📝 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a compound sentence?
   A) She loves to read, and she often visits the library.
   B) Running quickly, the dog chased the ball.
   C) Although it was raining, we went outside.
   D) The sun rose, bringing a new day.
2. Identify the coordinating conjunction in the sentence: "He wanted to go to the party, but he had to study for his exam."
   A) wanted
   B) to
   C) but
   D) for
3. Which FANBOYS conjunction indicates a result or effect?
   A) For
   B) Yet
   C) So
   D) Or
4. Choose the sentence that correctly uses a comma with a FANBOYS conjunction to form a compound sentence.
   A) I like coffee but my brother prefers tea.
   B) We can go to the park, or we can stay home.
   C) She is tired yet she continues to work.
   D) He finished his homework and then he watched TV.
5. How many independent clauses are typically found in a compound sentence?
   A) One
   B) Two or more
   C) Three
   D) Only two
6. Which of these sentences is NOT a compound sentence?
   A) The cat purred contentedly, for it had just eaten.
   B) My sister painted the mural, and I helped with the design.
   C) We hiked up the mountain, and admired the view.
   D) You must finish your chores, or you cannot play video games.
7. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate FANBOYS conjunction: "She didn't want to go to the concert, ___ did she want to stay home alone."
   A) but
   B) and
   C) nor
   D) so