The Compound Sentence: But

First Published: 19th of January, 2021

A compound sentence is formed by joining two simple sentences. We join two simple sentences using a coordinate conjunction or a conjunctive adverb. The seven coordinate conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so (FANBOYS). The “coordinate” conjunction may also be referred to as the “coordinating” conjunction.

Here is an example:

Simple Sentence 1: I am tall.

Simple Sentence 2: My brother is short.

Which coordinate conjunction should we use to join the simple sentences above? We should use “but” because the conjunction “but” shows contrast.

Compound Sentence: I am tall, but my brother is short.

The two simple sentences were transformed into two independent clauses and were joined with a conjunction to form a compound sentence. When joining two simple sentences to form a compound sentence, remember to separate the two clauses with a comma.

The coordinate conjunction “but” is used to show contrast, difference, disappointment and other similar ideas.

Here are some more examples.

I invited you to the party, but you didn’t come.

England is a small country in area, but it is large in population.

Winters are cold, but summers are hot.

I like English, but my sister likes math.

I want to live in the United States, but my wife prefers Canada.

The city was so beautiful ten years ago, but now it is ruined.

Can you try making some compound sentences of your own using the coordinate conjunction “but”?

Read Also:

The Compound Sentence: Introduction