You have four options for combining two complete sentences:
- comma and a conjunction ("and," "but," "or," "for," or "yet")
- semicolon and a transitional adverb, like "therefore," "moreover," or "thus"
- semicolon (;)
- colon (:)
The appropriate option(s) depend upon the context.
1. Comma + Conjunction
When combining two complete sentences with a conjunction ("and," "but," "or," "for," or "yet"), precede the conjunction with a comma.
Example: Still, the sun is slowly getting brighter and hotter, and it will eventually enter the red giant phase.
2. Semicolon + Transitional Adverb
Transitional adverbs can connect and transition between two complete sentences. They include words like the following:
- therefore
- however
- moreover
- thus
- meanwhile
- thereafter
- indeed
- instead
- consequently
- eventually
- finally
- still
- besides
Precede the transitional adverb with a semicolon and follow it with a comma.
Example: These texts were used personally by the researcher; thus, these books were purchased at different stages of her learning process.
3. Semicolon
Semicolons can combine two complete sentences (without a conjunction) when the sentences are closely related and it would make sense to combine the sentences with "and."
Example: The chapter ends as soon as Jimmy’s love does; in the next chapter titled “Love,” the war has ended, and Jimmy has gone back to loving Martha.
4. Colon
Colons connect two complete sentences when the second sentence completes, explains, or illustrates the idea in the first sentence.
Example: A fully prescriptive approach may be harmful in this type of situation: prescriptive language could keep readers abiding by and enforcing prescriptive rules in all contexts to avoid being “wrong,” “unprofessional,” or “illogical,” even when there is no such risk.
Proofreading Tips
Locate the boundary between two separate sentences by reading each out loud. Each sentence should have its own subject and verb and be able to stand on its own.
- Mark the boundary with a line, if you're proofreading on paper.
- Double-check that the boundary contains the appropriate punctuation and transition words.
If two complete sentences appear next to each other without separating punctuation and/or a connecting word, they are called run-ons. You have three ways to fix a run-on sentence:
Example: The Great Red Spot is a giant hurricane on Jupiter | it has existed for over 400 years.
1. Add a conjunction and a comma.
Example: The Great Red Spot is a giant hurricane on Jupiter, and it has existed for over 400 years.
2. Insert a semicolon (;), if it makes sense to combine the sentences with "and."
Example: The Great Red Spot is a giant hurricane on Jupiter; it has existed for over 400 years.
3. Insert a period and make two separate sentences.
Example: The Great Red Spot is a giant hurricane on Jupiter. It has existed for over 400 years.
If two complete sentences appear next to each other and are only combined by a comma, they are called comma splices. You have three ways to fix a comma splice:
Example: Many children played on the Dickinson property,| Emily was often on their side against the adult order.
1. Add “and” or another conjunction after the comma.
Example: Many children played on the Dickinson property, and Emily was often on their side against the adult order.
2. Replace the comma with a semicolon (;).
Example: Many children played on the Dickinson property; Emily was often on their side against the adult order.
3. Replace the comma with a period and making two separate sentences.
Example: Many children played on the Dickinson property. Emily was often on their side against the adult order.
FAQs
What is an example of sentence combination? ›
Separate two closely related independent clauses with a semicolon. Fused sentence: She was lying on the sofa she had just eaten lunch. Corrected sentence: She was lying on the sofa; she had just eaten lunch. Comma splice: I began to think about my brother, I felt good.
What simple sentences can be combined? ›Two or more simple sentences can be combined by the use of coordinating conjunctions. Common coordinating conjunctions are: and, but, or, yet, nor, for, so, as well as, not only…but also. Harry is smart. Harry is handsome.
What is used to combine two complete sentences? ›Use a comma between two complete sentences joined with a coordinating conjunction. There are 7 coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, yet, so, for.
How do you combine two sentences into a complex sentence? ›Once you can identify a basic sentence, you can join two or more sentences into complex sentences. Two or more sentences can be combined with a subordinating conjunction that explains the relationship between each idea.
What are the 3 ways to combine sentences? ›- comma and a conjunction ("and," "but," "or," "for," or "yet")
- semicolon and a transitional adverb, like "therefore," "moreover," or "thus"
- semicolon (;)
- colon (:)
We both applauded, and we stood up. We both clapped our hands, and we stomped our feet. They not only liked the movie, but they also loved the play.
What are 5 simple sentences using the word with? ›[M] [T] She attacked him with her fists. [M] [T] She lived with him all her life. [M] [T] She wants to play golf with him. [M] [T] She was very happy with my gift.
How do you combine simple and complex sentences? ›It should have at least two main clauses and they can be combined using a coordinating conjunction or a conjunctive adverb; whereas, a complex sentence should have a main clause and a subordinate clause. The two clauses can be combined using a subordinating conjunction or a correlative conjunction.
What are some phrases to connect sentences? ›additionally; also; moreover; furthermore; again; further; then; besides; too; similarly; correspondingly; indeed; regarding. alternatively; although; otherwise; instead.
Can a simple sentence be a compound? ›Sometimes, simple sentences have compound structures. There are four main types of compound structures: Compound subject: A subject that has two parts that are often connected with a coordinating conjunction.
What is simple sentence with two examples? ›
A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. Examples of simple sentences include the following: Joe waited for the train. The train was late.
Can a simple sentence have 2 different subjects? ›A simple sentence can have two subjects doing the verb, two verbs being done by the subject, or both. No commas separate these elements. Randy and Kim moved pipe last summer. Randy moved pipe and drove a truck last summer.