Describe the structure of a compound sentence.

A compound sentence is a type of sentence that consists of two or more independent clauses joined together by coordinating conjunctions, punctuation marks, or conjunctive adverbs. The purpose of a compound sentence is to express two or more related ideas or thoughts in a single sentence.

The structure of a compound sentence typically follows this pattern:

1. Independent Clause: The sentence starts with an independent clause, which is a complete sentence that can stand alone and express a complete thought. It contains a subject and a predicate.

2. Coordinating Conjunction: The independent clause is then joined to another independent clause using a coordinating conjunction. Common coordinating conjunctions include "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "so," and "yet." These conjunctions help to connect the two independent clauses and show the relationship between them.

3. Punctuation Marks: Alternatively, a compound sentence can also be formed by using a semicolon (;) instead of a coordinating conjunction. In this case, the semicolon acts as a strong punctuation mark that separates the two independent clauses.

4. Conjunctive Adverbs: Another way to create a compound sentence is by using conjunctive adverbs such as "however," "therefore," "moreover," "nevertheless," "consequently," and "thus." These adverbs are used to connect the two independent clauses and indicate the relationship between them. When using conjunctive adverbs, a semicolon is placed before the adverb, and a comma is placed after it.

Overall, the structure of a compound sentence allows for the combination of two or more independent clauses, providing a more complex and varied sentence structure. This type of sentence is commonly used in writing to add depth, clarity, and coherence to the ideas being expressed.