Pattern 4:  Compound Sentences With No Connecting Words

Pattern 1 |  Pattern 2  |  Pattern 3 | Pattern 5 | Pattern 6 | Pattern 7 | Pattern 8

   
Pattern 4 Rule:  When no connecting words are used between two  independent clauses, separate the clauses with a semi-colon (;). 
 
Buying a Rolodex at the local bookstore was a great decision; having the "dex" on the desk saved me time locating phone numbers and addresses.
Independent Clause;

Independent Clause


Pattern 4 Samples

T. Jefferson Parker's sense of atmosphere is hypnotic; his book Pacific Beat illustrates his skill well.

Microsoft FrontPage provides a novice the capability of producing sophisticated webpages; it is truly a user friendly tool.

My son was a great collector by the age of 12; he had extensive connections of pennies, Star Wars figures, and baseball cards!
 
 


Check Your Comprehension 
Identify the Sentence Pattern

1. The college Gab Session has been popular among the 18 year olds on campus; two new topics will likely generate good attendance during spring term.
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2. Self-assessment is a critical part of learning- to-learn; unfortunately, it is an under used activity in courses.
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3. Online courses give students an opportunity to exercise different learning roles in the classroom; students can take more responsibility for shaping what is to be learned.
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McS © Spring 2002