English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Create compound sentences
Create compound sentences
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a compound sentence.
Identify the two simple sentences (independent clauses) within a compound sentence.
List the seven coordinating conjunctions using the FANBOYS acronym.
Correctly combine two simple sentences using a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
Create their own original compound sentences to improve their writing.
Differentiate between a simple sentence and a compound sentence.
Do your sentences ever feel short and lonely? 🧍 Let's learn how to connect them so they can be friends and make your stories more exciting! 🤝
Today, we will learn how to join two complete thoughts, called simple sentences, to create a longer, more powerful sentence called a compound sentence. This skill will make your writing sound smoother and more prof...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Simple SentenceA complete thought that has a subject (who or what) and a verb (the action). It can stand all by itself.The frog jumped.
Compound SentenceTwo simple sentences joined together to make one longer sentence. They are connected by a comma and a special joining word.The frog jumped, and it landed in the pond.
Coordinating ConjunctionA special joining word that connects two simple sentences. There are only seven of them!and, but, or, so
FANBOYSA secret code word to help you remember the seven coordinating conjunctions.For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
CommaA punctuation mark (,) that signals a short pause. In compound sentences, it goes before the FANBOYS conjunction.I like to read, but my brother likes to play video games.
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Compound Sentence Formula
Simple Sentence + , + FANBOYS Conjunction + Simple Sentence
Use this formula every time you want to join two complete thoughts. This structure ensures your sentence is grammatically correct and easy to read.
The Comma Rule
Place a comma BEFORE the FANBOYS conjunction.
The comma is like a stop sign that tells the reader a new, complete idea is coming. Forgetting the comma is a very common mistake, so always double-check for it.
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Challenging
Read this short passage: 'The children built a huge sandcastle. They decorated it with shells. The tide came in and washed it away.' How could you revise this passage to improve its flow by creating one compound sentence?
A.The children built a huge sandcastle, and decorated it with shells, but the tide washed it away.
B.The children built a huge sandcastle and decorated it with shells the tide came in and washed it away.
C.The children built a huge sandcastle and decorated it with shells, but the tide came in and washed it away.
D.The children built a huge sandcastle. They decorated it with shells, so the tide came in and washed it away.
Challenging
Which sentence uses a coordinating conjunction in a way that does not make logical sense?
A.I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
B.You can have an apple, or you can have a banana.
C.He is very tired, yet he refuses to go to sleep.
D.The sun is hot, but I will wear my winter coat.
Challenging
You need to create a compound sentence showing a cause-and-effect relationship between these two ideas: 'The ground was wet.' and 'The game was canceled.' Which is the best option?
A.The ground was wet, so the game was canceled.
B.The ground was wet, but the game was canceled.
C.The ground was wet, or the game was canceled.
D.The ground was wet, and the game was canceled.
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