What type of punctuation is used to join two independent clauses to make a compound sentence?

A Brief Note Before We Begin

This post is about combining sentences, not about combining ELEMENTS of sentences (e.g. subjects, verbs, modifiers, objects). We’ve seen a lot of confusion between these topics, so we’re taking a few seconds to touch on this before we get going.

Table of Contents Show

A Brief Note Before We Begin
Compound Subjects
Compound Verbs
Sentence: An Updated Definition
Independent clause
Dependent clause
How (and when) to Combine Clauses
Independent Clause + Independent Clause
Independent Clause + Dependent Clause
Independent Clause + Independent Clause + Dependent Clause
In Summary. . .

Any element of a sentence can be compounded; however, this does not mean that the entire sentence is compounded and requires a comma or semicolon. This in particular is one of the English ACT’s tricks.

Compound Subjects

While walking home, Sarah and Jasmine talked about the test.
Sarah, who you met earlier, and Jasmine are going to stay with us.

Compound Verbs

When one person is doing two things, there is no need to use a comma and conjunction

She drew realistic people and animals.
She sold her drawings to an art collector.
She drew realistic people and animals and sold her drawings to an art collector.
- Here, the compound verb is “drew and sold”

All right. Let’s get this party started!!

Sentence: An Updated Definition

A sentence is more than just a string of words with a subject and a verb. It can also be defined as either an independent clause or a combination of independent and dependent clauses.

This definition of a sentence is helpful in learning how and when to use commas, semicolons, and conjunctions in order to combine sentences.

Independent clause

Think of this as a thought or idea that can stand on its own. It doesn’t need anything else to make sense. If your friend said, “I need to plug my phone in,” you would understand exactly what they meant.

Essentially, this is just a sentence. Don’t feel overcomplicate it!

Dependent clause

On the other hand, a dependent clause can’t stand on its own. It has a subject and verb, but it doesn’t form a main idea. Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions: after, although, as, because, before, if, once, since, that, unless, until, when, why, etc. OR they begin with relative pronouns: that, which, whoever, whom, who, whose.

Here are some examples of dependent clauses:

Although he did like my idea
Who was always so quiet
While Sarah and Jasmine were cooking

All of these examples leave you hanging! He liked my idea… but what? Who was always so quiet… who? While Sarah and Jasmine were cooking… what?

This is the reason that dependent clauses are attached to independent clauses, giving us a complete understanding of what’s happening.

How (and when) to Combine Clauses

Now that you know the two basic types of clauses, you’re ready to learn how put this knowledge into practice! We will go over three independent and/or dependent clause scenarios to show you what to do.

Independent Clause + Independent Clause

To combine two complete sentences/ independent clauses, you have two options. You can use a comma with a conjunction, or you can use a semicolon. If you use a comma and conjunction, the acronym FANBOYS will help you remember the conjunctions (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So). If you use a semicolon, you do not have to capitalize the first letter of the next sentence.

Comma and Conjunction — I got coffee, and she got tea.
Semicolon — I got coffee; she got tea.

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

In this scenario, which is GUARANTEED to show up on your ACT test, you will either attach the dependent clause to the independent clause with a comma or without a comma.

It depends where the dependent clause occurs in the sentence. When it comes before the independent clause, always use a comma. When it comes after the independent clause, you will not need a comma (*most of the time).

Comma — Because he did his homework, he got to go to the game.
No comma — He got to go to the game because he did his homework.

*However, when a dependent clause begins with any of the words listed below and follows an independent clause, it will need a comma. These words create contrast in the sentence, so a comma is needed for more clarity.

although
though / even though
whereas

Let’s take a look at this exception in a sentence — Mr. Williams said my essay needed more work, although he did like my idea.

Independent Clause + Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

Yep! You read that right. You can combine all three of these clauses. English is a complex language, and there are so many combinations you can create.

When you see a long sentence on your ACT English test, it’s quite possible that it’s written in a similar pattern as this and is not a run-on! Always pay special attention to the commas and conjunctions that are used. This will help you determine if it is a complete sentence or a run-on.

Here are two examples with each of the clauses explained.

1. All of my friends are planning for prom before school even starts, but I just want to plan for some pool days.

“All of my friends are planning for prom” — Independent Clause
“before school even starts” — Dependent Clause
- No comma is needed to attach this.
“I just want to plan for some pool days.” — Independent Clause
- Because this clause is a complete sentence, it needs “,but” to attach to the first half.

2. Since this is my last year of high school, I want to spend more time with my friends; we’re all going to different colleges next year.

“Since this is my last year of high school” — Dependent Clause
- This needs a comma because it occurs before the independent clause.
“I want to spend more time with my friends” — Independent Clause
“we’re all going to different colleges next year.” — Independent Clause
- Since this is an independent clause, it is linked with a semicolon.

In Summary. . .

To combine two independent clauses (complete sentences), use a semicolon or a comma and conjunction.

To attach a dependent clause, use a comma if it comes before the independent clause; use no comma if it comes after the independent clause, unless it is a “contrast word” (although, though, even though, whereas).

A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses that have related ideas. The independent clauses can be joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon, as you can see in the compound sentence examples below.

man watching movie with compound sentence example

Many compound sentences are made using coordinating conjunctions. To remember all the coordinating conjunctions, use the mnemonic FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). In this case, the sentence must contain a comma before the conjunction for correct punctuation. For example:

She did not cheat on the test, for it was the wrong thing to do.
I really need to go to work, but I am too sick to drive.
I am counting my calories, yet I really want dessert.
He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker.
They got there early, and they got really good seats.
They had no ice cream left at home, nor did they have money to go to the store.
Everyone was busy, so I went to the movie alone.
I thought the promotion was mine, but my attendance wasn't good enough.
Should we start class now, or wait for everyone to get here?
It was getting dark, and we weren't near the cabin yet.
Cats are good pets, for they are clean and are not noisy.
We have never been to Asia, nor have we visited Africa.
He didn't want to go to the dentist, yet he went anyway.

You can also combine two sentences into one without a conjunction. In this case, you must use a semicolon to join your two independent clauses.

Examples of compound sentences with semicolons include:

The sky is clear; the stars are twinkling.
Joe made the sugar cookies; Susan decorated them.
The waves were crashing on the shore; it was a lovely sight.
Check back tomorrow; I will see if the book has arrived.
I am happy to take your donation; any amount will be greatly appreciated.
Malls are great places to shop; I can find everything I need under one roof.
Italy is my favorite country; I plan to spend two weeks there next year.
He turned in the research paper on Friday; he would have not passed the class otherwise.
She bought a cheeseburger for her friend; she forgot the fries.
He loved the dog; he gave it many treats.

To smooth the transition between clauses, use conjunctive adverbs (however, besides, therefore, meanwhile). Place these after the semicolon, and add a comma after the conjunctive adverb. Examples include:

It was a difficult assignment; however, Kelly was up to the challenge.
There were white-out conditions in the town; therefore, the roads were impassable.
He said he was not there yesterday; however, many people saw him there.
She only paints with bold colors; indeed, she does not like pastels at all.
She works two jobs to make ends meet; at least, that was her reason for not having time to join us.
You need to pack the appropriate things for camping; for example, a sleeping bag will keep you warm.
I have paid my dues; as a result, I expect to receive all the privileges listed in the bylaws.
He ate seven sandwiches for lunch; afterward, he felt ill.
Her knees ached from jogging; moreover, her shoes were starting to wear out.
His friends canceled dinner plans that night; on the other hand, he didn’t really want to go in the first place.

Compound sentences are common in both speech and writing. Here are examples of compound sentences used by famous public figures:

"Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one." - Sam Rayburn
"The drought had lasted now for 10 million years, and the reign of the terrible lizards had long since ended." - Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” - Ronald Reagan
"I used to be snow white, but I drifted." - Mae West
"I have often wanted to drown my troubles, but I can't get my wife to go swimming." - Jimmy Carter
"I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it." - Gerald R. Ford
"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them." - George H. W. Bush
"You can put wings on a pig, but you don't make it an eagle." - Bill Clinton

Each half of a compound sentence must stand on its own as a complete sentence. That means each half needs a subject and a verb. For example:

I want the sporty red car, but I will lease the practical blue one.

In the sentence above, the subjects are italicized and the verbs are in bold. The first half is a complete sentence because it contains the subject "I" and the verb "want." The second half that comes after the comma and coordinating conjunction (but) is also a complete sentence, with the subject "I" and the verb "will lease."

Staff Writer

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