Question

compound sentences
a compound sentence has 2 (or more) independent clauses about related ideas.
remember that an independent clause has a subject and a verb and is a complete thought, which means it can stand alone as a sentence.

• i wrapped the gift. i gave it to my mother
• the elves are tired. there is a lot of work to do
• it is cold and snowy. i wore my coat and boots
• we can make a cake. we can buy one

when two sentences are related, they can be joined with a coordinating conjunction to show the relationship between the sentences.
common conjunctions are and but so or
and – something more or next in sequence
but – contrast
so – reason
or – choices
insert a comma after the first independent clause, use the appropriate conjunction, and add the second independent clause. dont capitalize the first word of the second clause unless the word is i or a proper noun.
i wrapped the gift, and i gave it to my mother
the elves are tired, but there is a lot of work to do
it is cold and snowy, so i wore my coat and boots
we can make a cake, or we can buy one
join each pair of sentences below with an appropriate conjunction to make a compound sentence. remember to use a comma.

1. i didnt have money to buy a gift for my mother. i decided to make cookies.

_______________________

1. i used reindeer - shaped cookie cutters. my cookies dont look like reindeer at all.

_______________________

1. my family is driving to florida for christmas. we will stay there for two weeks.

_______________________

1. i got a big package in the mail from my grandma. i havent opened it yet.

_______________________

1. will santa come in through the door? will he come in through the chimney?

_______________________

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the relationship

The first clause is a reason for the second clause. Use "so".

Step2: Combine with comma

Add a comma after the first clause, then "so" and the second clause.

Step1: Identify the relationship

The clauses show a contrast. Use "but".

Step2: Combine with comma

Add a comma after the first clause, then "but" and the second clause.

Step1: Identify the relationship

The clauses show related actions. Use "and".

Step2: Combine with comma

Add a comma after the first clause, then "and" and the second clause.

Step1: Identify the relationship

The clauses show a contrast. Use "but".

Step2: Combine with comma

Add a comma after the first clause, then "but" and the second clause.

Answer:

I didn't have money to buy a gift for my mother, so I decided to make cookies.