1. Two or More Independent Clauses: A compound sentence must have at least two independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it contains a subject and a verb.
2. Connecting Words: These independent clauses are joined together using a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon (;).
Here's a breakdown:
* Independent Clause: A complete thought that can stand alone. Example: "The dog barked."
* Coordinating Conjunction: Words that connect two equal parts of a sentence. Example: "The dog barked, and the cat hissed."
* Semicolon: Used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. Example: "The dog barked; the cat hissed."
Example of a compound sentence:
> "The sun was shining, and the birds were singing."
Here's how to find it:
* Independent Clause 1: The sun was shining.
* Coordinating Conjunction: and
* Independent Clause 2: The birds were singing.
Remember:
* A compound sentence must have at least two independent clauses.
* The clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
Let me know if you have any more questions about compound sentences!