As we know, sentences are divided into many types, and the compound sentence is one. Compound sentences play a significant role in explaining a thing more elaborately. A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses by joining coordinating conjunction (and, but, or). A clause is a group of words that has an independent meaning.
Sometimes many of us think that a compound sentence is complicated to understand. It’s effortless to understand. Without wasting time, let us know the definition of a compound sentence.
Definition of a Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is a type of sentence that consists of two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or). In other words, we can say a compound sentence has two main clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.
We can also make a compound sentence by joining two simple sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Let us see some examples to get a clear picture about it:
- I prepare for dinner, and I enjoy the wedding party.
- She knew how to fix the issue, but she refused to do it.
- You will have to do proper diet, or your weight will be increased.
- Make a good study plan; you fail in the examination.
- I need your assistance; I fail to proceed.
Difference between Simple and Compound Sentences
We can quickly identify the difference between simple and compound sentences. A simple sentence contains one independent clause, e.g., I need this English lesson. In contrast, a compound sentence contains two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, e.g., I need this English lesson, and you can provide me with this lesson. The most common coordinating conjunctions are; and, but, or, for, yet, and so.
Difference between Complex and Compound Sentences
Sometimes we become confused to differentiate between complex and compound sentences. But it’s not a difficult task to identify the difference between these two sentences. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses. For example;
I have a pet whom I love so much.
We can see one independent clause and a subordinate clause in this sentence. That’s why we can call it a complex sentence.
On the other hand, a compound sentence contains two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. For example;
I have a pet, and I love it so much.
In this sentence, we can see two independent clauses combined with coordinating conjunction ‘and.’ That’s why we call it a compound sentence.
Examples of Compound Sentences
Now let us see some examples of compound sentences for better understanding:
- He plays football, and his friend reads a novel.
- They worked hard, but they failed to reach their destination.
- I need to work with you , but I can’t due to my sickness.
- We should complete the task, or we’ll to fail to our destination.
- My friend is busy now, so I have to meet him later.
- He has lost his job, yet he didn’t get his last salary.
- I found the right path, and I also got my best life partner.
- She knew the true story, but she didn’t want to unveil it.
- Kareem will buy a bike, or he will buy a car.
- Jareen loves to read novels, and she reads a novel every week.
- We have to finish our project on time, yet we have a lot of tasks in hand.
- They’re providing voluntary services, and they have many members.
- She has suffered from a disease, and she missed her loving family.
- He spent a happy moment with his friends, but he missed his pet.
- I know you’re missing me, but I have no ways to meet with you.
- He’ll be playing with team members or choose a different option.
- We’re trying to invent a new technology, yet we need many types of equipment.
- Archer kept my words, and I was happy to see him.
- Please don’t lose your last hope, or we’ll never reach your destination.
- She lives in the USA, and her family stays in the UK.

Azizul Hakim is the founder & CEO of englishfinders.com. He is a passionate writer, English instructor, and content creator. He has completed his graduation and post-graduation in English language and literature.