Writing: Sentence Construction & Variety (B1) - Lesson 1: Writing Clear Compound Sentences with a Variety of Conjunctions
Tip: Click on many text parts to hear them read aloud! (Requires browser support for speech).
Hello B1 Learners! 👋
You know how to write simple sentences. Now, let's learn to connect them to make compound sentences! This makes your writing more fluent and allows you to express more complex ideas.
We'll use coordinating conjunctions to join these sentences.
In this lesson, you will:
- Review what a compound sentence is.
- Learn about different coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) and their meanings.
- Practice using these conjunctions with correct punctuation (especially the comma).
What are Compound Sentences and Coordinating Conjunctions?
A compound sentence is made of two or more independent clauses joined together. An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
We join these independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions. A good way to remember them is the acronym FANBOYS:
- For (shows a reason, similar to "because"):
I drink a lot of water, for I am often thirsty. (A bit formal) - And (adds one idea to another):
She likes coffee, and he prefers tea. - Nor (joins two negative ideas; often used with "neither"):
He doesn't like spinach, nor does he like broccoli. (Requires special sentence structure after "nor") - But (shows a contrast):
The car is old, but it runs well. - Or (shows a choice or alternative):
We can watch a movie, or we can play a game. - Yet (shows a contrast or unexpected result, similar to "but"):
It was raining heavily, yet they decided to go for a walk. - So (shows a result or consequence):
She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
Important Punctuation: When you join two independent clauses with a FANBOYS conjunction, you must put a comma (,) before the conjunction.
Example: The wind was strong, so the trees were swaying.
Activity 1: Choose the Best Conjunction
Read the two ideas. Choose the best FANBOYS conjunction to connect them logically.
Activity 2: Combine These Sentences
You will be given two simple sentences and a conjunction. Combine them into one clear compound sentence. Remember the comma!
Activity 3: What's the Conjunction's Job?
Read the compound sentence. Identify the conjunction and choose what kind of relationship it shows between the two ideas.
✨ Tips for Writing Clear Compound Sentences ✨
- Make Sure Both Parts are Complete Sentences: Each part joined by FANBOYS should be able to stand alone (have a subject and a verb).
- Choose the Right Conjunction: Think about the relationship between the two ideas (addition, contrast, choice, reason, result).
- Comma is Key: Don't forget the comma before the FANBOYS conjunction when joining two independent clauses.
- Vary Your Conjunctions: Using different conjunctions makes your writing more interesting than just using "and" all the time.
- Read Aloud: Does your compound sentence sound smooth and logical?
Excellent Sentence Connecting! 🎉
You've learned how to use a variety of conjunctions to create clear and effective compound sentences. This will add more sophistication to your B1 level writing!