I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Definition

This phrase is an example of a compound sentence that combines two independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction. The first clause expresses a desire or intention, while the second clause presents a contrasting situation that prevents the action from occurring. This construction showcases how coordinating conjunctions can link related thoughts and convey relationships between them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The word 'but' is the coordinating conjunction in the sentence, indicating contrast between the desire to walk and the occurrence of rain.
2. Both clauses in the sentence are independent, meaning they could each stand alone as separate sentences if needed.
3. This structure allows for complex thoughts to be communicated more fluidly, emphasizing the relationship between the two ideas.
4. 'I wanted to go for a walk' shows intention, while 'it started to rain' introduces an unexpected obstacle.
5. Understanding how to use coordinating conjunctions helps improve writing clarity and coherence, making it easier for readers to follow the flow of ideas.

Review Questions

• What role does the coordinating conjunction 'but' play in the sentence, and how does it affect the meaning?
  • 'But' serves as a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses. It highlights the contrast between wanting to go for a walk and the unforeseen event of rain starting. This usage not only clarifies the relationship between the two clauses but also adds depth by indicating that one desire is thwarted by an unexpected circumstance.
• How would you transform the compound sentence into two separate independent sentences without losing its meaning?
  • You could write two separate sentences: 'I wanted to go for a walk. It started to rain.' This transformation keeps the original meaning intact by stating both ideas clearly, though it loses some of the fluidity and connection that the compound structure provides. Each sentence still communicates an important part of the overall thought.
• Evaluate how using different coordinating conjunctions in this sentence could change its meaning or emphasis.
  • If we replace 'but' with 'and', the sentence becomes 'I wanted to go for a walk and it started to rain.' This change suggests that both ideas are happening simultaneously without emphasizing contrast. Alternatively, using 'or' would imply a choice: 'I wanted to go for a walk or it started to rain.' This implies that one option excludes the other, shifting the focus entirely from intention to decision-making. Each conjunction shapes how we interpret the relationship between the ideas.

Related terms

Coordinating Conjunctions: Words that connect two or more clauses or phrases of equal grammatical rank, such as 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

Independent Clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.

Compound Sentence: A sentence that consists of two or more independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions.