Combining Sentences

Combining sentences is the process of joining two or more sentences to create a single, more complex sentence. This helps to improve writing flow and clarity.

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'Jack runs.'

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: 'Jack runs, and he jumps.'

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although Jack is tired, he will finish his homework.'

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or'.

A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because it was raining'.

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'I like ice cream.'

To combine sentences using a coordinating conjunction, identify the independent clauses and connect them with a conjunction. Example: 'I like pizza, and I like pasta.'

Example: 'I like apples, oranges, and bananas.' This combines multiple items into one sentence.

A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence. Example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'