Independent clause + coordinating conjunction + independent clause

Definition

This structure refers to a compound sentence that consists of two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction, such as 'and,' 'but,' or 'or.' Each independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, and the use of coordinating conjunctions allows for the combination of related ideas to enhance clarity and coherence in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The coordinating conjunction is typically preceded by a comma when connecting two independent clauses to ensure clarity.
2. Common coordinating conjunctions include 'and,' 'but,' 'or,' 'nor,' 'for,' 'so,' and 'yet.'
3. Using this structure allows writers to express complex ideas more clearly by showing the relationship between two thoughts.
4. When forming this structure, it's important that both clauses are related in context, maintaining coherence in the overall message.
5. This construction is essential for creating varied sentence structures in writing, helping to avoid monotony in sentence patterns.

Review Questions

• How do independent clauses contribute to the formation of a compound sentence using coordinating conjunctions?
  • Independent clauses are the building blocks of compound sentences because they each express complete thoughts. When these clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, it creates a compound sentence that enhances the flow of ideas. This structure allows the writer to combine related thoughts seamlessly, making the writing more engaging and easier for the reader to understand.
• Analyze how the use of a coordinating conjunction can change the meaning of a compound sentence made up of two independent clauses.
  • The choice of coordinating conjunction significantly influences the relationship between the independent clauses in a compound sentence. For example, using 'but' implies contrast between the two ideas, while 'and' suggests addition or continuation. This subtle shift can affect how readers interpret the overall meaning of the sentence, illustrating how important word choice is in conveying the intended message.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using independent clauses combined with coordinating conjunctions in academic writing compared to other sentence structures.
  • Using independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions is particularly effective in academic writing because it promotes clarity and precision. This structure allows for the connection of complex ideas without losing the distinctiveness of each thought. Compared to other structures like complex sentences, which may introduce confusion with subordinate clauses, this approach maintains straightforwardness and directness, making it ideal for conveying clear arguments or analyses.

Related terms

Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Coordinating Conjunction: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal in structure, such as 'for,' 'and,' 'nor,' 'but,' 'or,' 'yet,' and 'so.'

Compound Sentence: A sentence that combines two or more independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions or semicolons.