Compound Sentence Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.7.1B

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

We are commonly working with simple sentences. Those are sentences that possess a single subject and predicate. Together these two parts make what we call an independent clause. There are many times when we are writing sentences where we want to add a bit more color or substance to our work. This can often be achieved by composing sentences that consist of two or more independent clauses. As we know an independent clause can complete thoughts and stand by themselves, so this is why when we sandwich at least two of them together we create something entirely new. We refer to these as compound sentences. In order to hold or link these clauses together and for it to make grammatical sense, we must use punctuation and know what we are doing with it. This selection of worksheets will help learn how to identify, compose, and ultimately re-write these types of sentences.

Compound Sentence Worksheets To Print:

Sentence Sandwiches - Use and, but or or to combine each set of sentences into one sentence.

Using Conjunctions - Choose a conjunction to combine each set of sentences into one sentence.

Combos - Add a second independent clause to each sentence to create a compound sentence. Use a conjunction and a comma to combine them.

Creative Crunches - Smash two sentences into one.

Complete Creation - Write a compound sentence using each conjunction.

Breaking Up - Backtrack what the author did here and break one sentence into two.

Practice - Choose a conjunction to combine each set of sentences into one sentence.

Second Clause - Complete each sentence by adding a conjunction and a second independent clause.

Which is Correct Conjunction? - You will be given two instances, just choose one.

What's the Picture About? - Write three compound sentences about what is going on in the picture.

Which Uses Correct Punctuation? - There will be two for you to dissect.

Create Them - Read each simple sentence below. Look at the picture for clues. Then expand each sentence into a compound sentence. Use a different conjunction for each sentence.

Which One Is It? - Put all of these skills into practice.

Composition - Write a compound sentence about each picture.

Describe Them - Match the sentences with the correct description.

The Glue that Holds Compound Sentences Together

As we learned earlier compound sentences consist of two or more independent clauses. In order for it all to work these clauses must be joined and there are several different ways to achieve this. Punctuation can be used to achieve this usually in the form of a colon, semicolon, or dash. Colons are often used to extend a sentence by reflecting back something previously used in the sentence. Semicolons are used to create smooth transitions between clauses. You will find semicolons used heavily when the second clauses start with the phrases however or as a result. Dashes do not have a very defined role in English grammar. They are often used to insert a break which is similar to a comma. In almost all cases the clauses are linked through the use of a conjunction. There are seven coordinating conjunctions which you can remember the name of through the use of the acronym FANBOYS. This stands for (in order): for, and, not, but, or, yet, and so. When used in a sentence the punctuation precedes one of these coordinators. People often confuse complex and compound sentences. The easiest way to discern between the two is to identify a dependent clause because only complex sentences contain dependent clauses. Dependent clauses are groups of words that have a subject and verb, but do not express a complete thought.