Compound Sentences Worksheet

Lesson Overview

About this worksheet

A compound sentence joins two simple sentences together with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. The seven coordinating conjunctions spell out the mnemonic FANBOYS – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Compound sentences are the first step beyond the simple sentence and the foundation of more grown-up writing. This worksheet gives third through fifth graders direct practice spotting compound sentences in a mixed list and then building their own.

Section A on page 1 gives students 12 sentences in a single-column list. The student labels each one simple or compound. The mix alternates one-clause simple sentences (Maya painted a sunset; The bus stopped at the corner) with compound sentences that use all seven FANBOYS conjunctions across the 12 items (and, but, so, or, yet are all represented; for and nor are introduced in the reference box but not used as items, which fits a grades 3-5 reading level).

Section B on page 2 raises the difficulty: each of 6 items gives the student two simple sentences AND a suggested conjunction in parentheses (and, but, or, so). The student combines the two simple sentences into one compound sentence using that conjunction, with the comma in the right spot. The answer key shows the correct combination for each pair.

Page 3 is a complete answer key. The Section A list gives the one-word label; Section B gives the combined compound sentence for each pair. The reference box at the top of page 1 introduces the simple-vs-compound distinction, spells out FANBOYS, and shows two worked examples using a generic bird-and-sky context that is not reused in any assessed item.

How to Use This Lesson

Read the reference box aloud and chant the FANBOYS mnemonic together: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Show the bird-and-sky example: The bird flew across the sky AND it landed in the tree.

Work Section A item 1 together: Maya painted a sunset has one subject and one verb in one clause, so it is simple. Item 2 (Diego rode his bike, and his sister jogged beside him) has two complete clauses joined with a comma plus and, so it is compound.

Assign the rest of Section A independently or in pairs. Remind students the giveaway is the comma plus FANBOYS pattern.

Demonstrate Section B item 13 together: The puppy barked at the mailman. The mailman waved back. (and). Combine: The puppy barked at the mailman, and the mailman waved back. Highlight the comma and lowercase the m in the second mailman.

Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or aide spot-check; any answer that uses the suggested conjunction with a comma in the right spot counts.

Pair with the Run-On Sentences Worksheet or the Conjunctions Worksheet to build a short sentence-structure mini-unit.

Printable Resource

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