You already know that a sentence consists of a subject and a verbs and expresses a complete thought.If you have 2 related sentences next to each other, what do you do?You can join the 2 together to make a more complex sentence.There are many ways to join sentences.Nested sentence structures keep your writing fresh.
Step 1: Evaluate the relationship between the sentences.
The second sentence has something to do with the first sentence.Is it an explanation or an example of the first sentence?Is it a bad idea todict it?Do you want to add to it?This relationship determines what kind of transition word you could possibly use to join the sentences together.
Step 2: You can connect the sentences with a conjunction.
The words "and", "but" or "nor" are conjunctions.Add a conjunction before the second sentence if you use one of the words.There is no need for an additional comma after the conjunction.She ate grilled cheese for lunch every day.They hadn't finished their homework yet, so they wanted to go to the movie.We can either go to the library or museum.
Step 3: Before transitional adverbs, add a semicolon.
Most transitional adverbs do not end in "-ly."You can move from one idea to the next with the help of these words.At the end of the first sentence, type a semi-colon and then add a transitional phrase.She ate a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch every day.They hadn't finished their homework yet so they wanted to go to the movie.We can either go to the library or the museum.
Step 4: One sentence should be turned into a dependent clause.
If one of the sentences relies on the other, it works.If the dependent clause is followed by the independent clause, there's no need for a separator.She ate grilled cheese for lunch every day because it was her favorite sandwich.If they finish their homework, they can go to the movie.We could go to the museum rather than the library.
Step 5: Try different versions of the same sentence.
One way to phrase something might sound better than another.Try several different options and see which one works best.It is possible to figure out the best one to use by reading aloud.The relationship between the 2 sentences should be reflected in the transition word you choose.Your writing will end up saying something you didn't intend.
Step 6: If the conjunction "and" makes sense, use a semi-colon.
A semi-colon is strong enough to stand alone without assistance.If used occasionally, semi-colons can add depth and precision to your writing.Two sentences are closely related and semi-colons work best with them.TheGrilled cheese was her favorite sandwich.She ate one for lunch every day.Adding more information to the first sentence is related to these 2 sentences.Grilled cheese was her favorite sandwich and she ate it every day.In some contexts, you can use a semi-colon.The cat could be under the bed or in the closet.The semi-colon takes the place of "or" because you're listing two different places where the cat could be.
Step 7: If the second explains or summarizes the first, join it with a colon.
If the second sentence is an explanation or summary of the first, you can use a semi-colon and a transitional adverb.The colon can be used without a transitional word.No one knew where the cat was.When people came over, it hid.No one knew where the cat was because it always hid when people came over.
Step 8: Introduce a list with a colon.
A colon works to join sentences when the second sentence is an example or set of examples that show the idea communicated in the first sentence.If you have a list, make sure to put each item in it's proper place."I forgot some things I needed when I went to the store."Milk, garbage bags, and toothpaste were things I forgot."I forgot some things I needed when I went to the store: milk, garbage bags, and toothpaste."
Step 9: When sentences have the same subject, make a series of verbs.
When you're writing about the same topic, you don't need to use a lot of words.Combining them into one sentence will make your writing less choppy and repetitive.Suppose you wrote "Susan loved grilled cheese sandwiches."She ate one for lunch every day.A compound sentence could be made with a conjunction and a colon."Susan loved grilled cheese sandwiches and ate one for lunch every day" is a single sentence with a series of verbs.
Step 10: The subjects are doing the same thing.
Sometimes it's not the subject of the 2 sentences at all.When this happens, you can join the 2 sentences by getting rid of the repeated verbs and listing the subjects that are doing the thing.Suppose you have: "Susan studied for her math exam."She studied for her exam.You could write "Susan and Elise studied for their math and English exams."
Step 11: Combine subjects and verbs.
If you have 2 or more sentences in a row with the same subject and verbs, you can make a series out of them.It is possible to get rid of the repetitive subjects and verbs in your writing.The cat is fluffy if you have the following sentences.It is both orange and white.It is getting warm in the sun.The cat is warm in the sun.