1 TRY OUT LANGUAGE
2 LEARN GRAMMAR
3 APPLY ON YOUR OWN
Use Compound Sentences
• A clause contains a subject and a verb. An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence.
EXAMPLES Some people risk their lives. independent clause Their efforts help others.independent clause • A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by and, but, or or.
• The words and, but, and or are conjunctions. They join two independent clauses to form a compound sentence. A comma (,) always comes before the conjunction.
EXAMPLE Some people risk their lives independent clause, but their efforts help others.independent clause
| Conjunction | Independent Clauses | Compound Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Use and to join similar ideas. | Soldiers protect our country. They keep us safe. | Soldiers protect our country, and they keep us safe. |
| Use but to join different ideas. | Soldiers help people. Sometimes they get hurt. | Soldiers help people, but sometimes they get hurt. |
| Use or to show a choice. | People can become soldiers. They can choose another career. | People can become soldiers, or they can choose another career. |
Practice Together
Say each pair of sentences. Choose and, but, or or to combine them. Say each new compound sentence and add the correct word.
1. Fires can be big. Fires can be small.
2. Firefighters use safety equipment. Sometimes they get hurt.
3. Firefighters know how to put out fires. They know how to save lives.
Try It!
Say each pair of sentences. Choose and, but, or or to combine them. Write each compound sentence on a card. Include the comma.
4. People can choose to help others. They can choose not to get involved.
5. Many people assist others. They do these things without being asked.
6. People are not always recognized for their help. They should be.
People care about others, and they help them.