We often use a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses together when making a compound sentence.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. The first letter of each of those conjunctions, put together in this order, form the word FANBOYS
Look at these examples of the seven coordinating conjunctions used in a sentence:
I won’t be able to come visit you, for it is dark and raining.
The day is short, and the night is long.
I won’t have that book read, nor will I have the paper ready to submit.
Jim brought me some dinner, but I did not have time to eat.
Do you want a hot dog, or would you rather have pizza?
Mom said she would be home at six, yet she is still not here.
It is raining, so our softball game is postponed.
Notice that a comma is always placed in front of the coordinating conjunction. Also notice that each side of the comma and FANBOYS word is an independent clause.
Use a comma and one of the FANBOYS to connect two independent clauses and make a compound sentence.
It’s your turn. Use the conjunction and along with a comma to join these two independent clauses into a compound sentence. Mom is mowing the lawn. Dad is raking the leaves. Did you make a compound sentence? Good for you!