What Is a Compound Sentence? (with Examples)

A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses.

An independent clause (unlike a dependent clause) can stand alone as a sentence.

Examples of Compound Sentences

Below are examples of compound sentences. In each example, the independent clauses are shaded.

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. (Albert Einstein, 1879-1955)

There used to be a real me, but I had it surgically removed. (Peter Sellers, 1925-1980)

Go, and never darken my towels again. (Groucho Marx, 1890-1977)

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do. (Dale Carnegie)

A Video Summary

Here is a short video explaining what we mean by compound sentence.

Joining the Independent Clauses in a Compound Sentence

In a compound sentence, the independent clauses are joined using one of the following methods:

A conjunction with a comma (e.g., ", and")

I like tea, and he likes coffee.

A semicolon

I like hot chocolate; it sends me to sleep.

The Four Types of Sentence Structure

A compound sentence is one of four main sentence structures, all of which are shown below. In these examples, the independent clauses are shaded.

A Complex Sentence. A complex sentence has an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. For example:

Diplomacy is the art of saying "nice doggie" until you can find a rock. (Will Rogers, 1879-1935)

A Compound Sentence. A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses. For example:

Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. (Joseph Heller, 1923-1999) (Jane Wagner)

A Simple Sentence. A simple sentence has just one independent clause. For example:

A country can be judged by the quality of its proverbs. (German Proverb)

A Compound-Complex Sentence. A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. For example:

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when he asked for my autograph in a department store, but I still want to believe in him.

Interactive Test

Use a Comma before a Conjunction That Joins Two Independent Clauses

There is often confusion over whether to use a comma before a conjunction (i.e., a word like and and but). It is worth being able to spot a compound sentence because you should use a comma before a conjunction that joins two independent clauses. For example:

He is smart, and articulate.

and

He is smart, and he is articulate.

and

Related Pages

What Is a Compound Sentence? (with Examples)