5 Facts On Conjunction In Compound Sentence: When & Examples

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We can not use any type of conjunction to connect two independent sentences to one compound sentence. Let us check the use of conjunctions to frame compound sentences.

None other than the word “coordinating conjunction” should be used to frame one compound sentence by connecting two independent clauses.

Let us see how we can use a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses in one.

When conjunctions are used in compound sentence?

Independent clauses are those clauses that are self-sufficient. Now, we are going to check the situation in which we need to use conjunctions to frame compound sentences.

There are three types of compound sentences. The placement and punctuation of them are also different.

  1. We need to put a comma before the coordinating conjunction to frame some compound sentences.
  2. Some compound sentences are framed with only a semicolon in between without any conjunctions.
  3. Finally, we can frame compound sentences with conjunctive adverbs. We need to put a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a coma after the same.

So, conjunctions are required to frame only the first type of compound sentence to show any of the following.

  1. Cause and effect
  2. The result of any situation or activity
  3. The outcome of any activity or situation
  4. Because of
  5. Reason behind
  6. Thus
  7. As a result

Example: I have to bear my educational expenses, so I have to find a part-time job.

Explanation:

The conjunction “so” is a “coordinating conjunction” and it is used to connect the second independent clause, “I have to find any part-time job” with the first one, “I have to bear my educational expenses.”

What types of conjunctions are used in compound sentence?

There is some particular type of conjunction which can be used to frame compound sentences. Let us see those conjunctions.

None other than but only “coordinating conjunctions” are must in use two conjoin two independent sentences in one compound sentence.

A list of twenty widely used coordinating conjunctions to frame compound sentences is as follows:

Serial NumberCoordinating ConjunctionSerial NumberCoordinating Conjunction
1.And11.Due to
2.Therefore12.Until
3.However13.Since
4.But14.Because
5.Yet15.Supposing
6.Although16.Furthermore
7.Despite17.Meanwhile
8.For18.Subsequently
9.Either/or19.By the time
10.Neither/nor20.Provided that
List of Coordinating Conjunctions

Example: Pijush wants to be a doctor; thus he must study under proper guidance and counseling.

Explanation:

The coordinating conjunction “thus” is in use to connect the second independent clause “he must study under proper guidance and counseling” with the first one “Pijush wants to be a doctor.”

Examples of conjunctions in compound sentences –

Let us look at sentences that are framed with various coordinating conjunctions.

Serial NumberCoordinating ConjunctionSentenceExplanation
1.butI am feeling low today, but I have to go to school to attend the sports meet.The coordinating conjunction “but” is used to connect the second independent clause “I have to go to school to attend the sports meet” with the first independent clause “I am feeling low today.”
2.by the timeYou must study hard, by the time I am preparing a cup of coffee for you.The coordinating conjunction “by the time” is used to connect the second independent clause “I am preparing a cup of coffee for you” with the first independent clause “you must study hard.”
3.andMina wants to pursue an occupation in the world of fashion, and she is pursuing admission to a college to pursue a fashion course.The coordinating conjunction “and” is used to connect the second independent clause “she is pursuing admission to a college to pursue a fashion course” with the first independent clause “Mina wants to pursue an occupation in the world of fashion.”
4.becauseRahul is making bread for today’s dinner, because Renu is preparing chicken curry for dinner.The coordinating conjunction “because” is used to connect the second independent clause “Renu is preparing chicken curry for dinner” with the first independent clause “Renu is preparing chicken curry for dinner.”
5.despiteI am very angry with my best friend, although I am going to talk to her about our favourite game.The coordinating conjunction “despite” is used to connect the second independent clause “I am going to talk to her about our favourite game” with the first independent clause “I am very angry with my best friend.”Five examples of conjunctions in compound sentences

When conjunctions are not used in compound sentence?

Compound sentences can be framed with some specific punctuation and conjunctive adverbs instead of conjunctions. Let us check compound sentences without conjunctions.

  1. Compound sentences that are framed with just a “come (punctuation)” in between two independent clauses don’t need any conjunctions.
  2. Compound sentences that are framed with “conjunctive adverbs” don’t need any conjunctions.
Serial NumberSentenceExplanation
1.I had prepared a greeting card, so my son decided to decorate it.The compound sentence has been framed with the coordinating conjunction “so”.
2.I have prepared a greeting card; my son decided to decorate it.The compound sentence has been framed with only a “semicolon” in between two independent clauses.
3.I prepared a greeting card; therefore, my son decided to decorate it.The compound sentence has been framed with the conjunctive adverb “therefore”.
Three situations when conjunctions are not used in compound sentence

Examples of compound sentences without conjunctions –

Let us go through five compound sentences which have been framed without any conjunction.

Serial NumberSentenceExplanation
1.I love my family; I love to take them on outings.The compound sentence has been framed with a “semicolon” in between instead of using any conjunction.
2.My friends are important to me; I spend lots of time with them.The compound sentence has been framed with a “semicolon” in between instead of using any conjunction.
3.Sandip is good at vocal music; he should pursue his career in vocal music.The compound sentence has been framed with a “semicolon” in between instead of using any conjunction.
4.I do not like to do mathematics; however, I have to do as part of my study.The compound sentence has been framed with a “conjunctive adverb” instead of any “coordinative conjunction”.
5.Mina never cooks non-vegetarian food items; indeed, she likes vegetarian food.The compound sentence has been framed with a “conjunctive adverb” instead of any “coordinative conjunction”.
Five examples of compound sentences without conjunctions

Conclusion –

We must be very specific about punctuation while using coordinating conjunctions to frame one compound sentence. We must not forget to place the “comma” just before the coordinating conjunction, while the coordinating conjunction must be placed just before the second independent clause.