Writing: Sentence Construction and Variety (B1) - Lesson 1: Writing Clear Compound Sentences with a Variety of Conjunctions

B1 Lesson 1: Writing Clear Compound Sentences with a Variety of Conjunctions

Welcome to B1 Sentence Construction! You already know how to connect two simple sentences with words like and, but, and so. A sentence like this is called a compound sentence¹.

Today, we will expand your skills by learning a wider variety of connecting words, or conjunctions². Using these correctly will make your writing more precise³ and varied.

The FANBOYS Conjunctions

A compound sentence joins two complete, independent ideas. A good way to remember the seven main conjunctions is with the acronym FANBOYS.

F - A - N - B - O - Y - S

Conjunction	Meaning	Example Sentence
For	Explains a reason (like 'because')	I ordered coffee, for I was very tired.
And	Adds one thing to another	He washed the dishes, and she dried them.
Nor	Joins two negative ideas	She does not drink coffee, nor does she like tea.
But	Shows a contrast	The movie was good, but it was very long.
Or	Shows a choice or option	We can eat at home, or we can go to a restaurant.
Yet	Shows a stronger contrast (like 'but')	He was very hungry, yet he did not eat.
So	Shows a result	The traffic was terrible, so I was late for the meeting.

The Golden Rule of Commas

Remember, when you join two complete sentences with a FANBOYS conjunction, you must use a comma before the conjunction.

Formula: [Complete Sentence] , + [Conjunction] + [Complete Sentence].

B1 Compound Sentence Checklist

• ✔️ Does my sentence join two complete ideas?
• ✔️ Have I chosen the best FANBOYS conjunction to show the relationship (reason, choice, contrast, etc.)?
• ✔️ Did I place a comma before the conjunction?
• ✔️ Have I checked my spelling and capitalization?

🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Conjunction

Choose the most logical conjunction to complete each sentence.

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1. I have to wake up early tomorrow, ______ I should go to bed now.

1. but
2. so
3. or

Answer: B. so (Going to bed now is a result of having to wake up early.)

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2. Would you like to have noodles for dinner, ______ would you prefer rice?

1. yet
2. for
3. or

Answer: C. or (This presents a choice.)

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3. The car is very old, ______ it is still very reliable.

1. yet
2. so
3. and

Answer: A. yet (This shows a surprising contrast.)

📝 Homework: Combine and Create

Get your notebook and pen to practice writing better sentences.

Part 1: Combine the sentences below using the best FANBOYS conjunction. Remember to use a comma.

1. She studied hard for the exam. She did not pass.
2. I must go to the bank. It closes in one hour.
3. We can go to the river for a swim. We can stay here and relax.

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Part 2: Write your own compound sentence using the conjunction "for" to explain a reason.

Example Answer (Part 1, #1): She studied hard for the exam, but she did not pass.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Compound Sentence: (Noun) - ប្រយោគផ្សំ - A sentence made of two or more independent sentences joined by a conjunction. ↩
2. Conjunction: (Noun) - ឈ្នាប់ - A word that connects words, phrases, or sentences (e.g., and, but, so). ↩
3. Precise: (Adjective) - ច្បាស់លាស់ - Exact and accurate in expression or detail. ↩
4. Independent Clause: (Noun Phrase) - ឃ្លាពេញលេញ - A group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
5. Acronym: (Noun) - ពាក្យកាត់ - A word formed from the first letters of other words (e.g., FANBOYS).