Compounds with Semicolons

There are only two ways to splice two independent clauses:

1. Connect the clauses with a semicolon.
2. Connect the clauses with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (fanboy).

Thus, sentences with semicolons are, by definition, compound sentences. (They might also be compound-complex, but we haven't yet studied that pattern).

Instructions for the Quiz

Determine the type of sentence.

• If the sentence has only one clause, the answer is (A) simple.
• If the sentence has more than one clause, the answer is (B) compound .
  • If the sentence includes a semicolon, the answer is (B) compound.

Hint: The answer will never be C, D, or E, because we have not yet studied those patterns.

Quiz