I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Definition

This phrase is an example of a compound sentence that combines two independent clauses using the coordinating conjunction 'but'. It highlights how coordination connects ideas that contrast with one another, showcasing the relationship between a desire and an unexpected outcome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase consists of two independent clauses: 'I wanted to go for a walk' and 'it started to rain'.
2. 'But' serves as a coordinating conjunction that indicates a contrast between the speaker's intention and the actual situation.
3. The use of a comma before 'but' is important as it separates the two independent clauses for clarity.
4. Compound sentences can provide more nuanced meaning by juxtaposing contrasting ideas or events.
5. Understanding how to use coordinating conjunctions like 'but' helps improve overall sentence variety and complexity in writing.

Review Questions

• What role does the coordinating conjunction 'but' play in the given phrase, and how does it affect the relationship between the two clauses?
  • 'But' acts as a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses while indicating a contrast between them. In this case, it shows the shift from the speaker's desire to go for a walk to the reality of rain disrupting that plan. This use of contrast enhances the meaning by illustrating how intentions can be altered by unforeseen circumstances.
• How does this example illustrate the concept of compound sentences, and what makes them effective in conveying complex thoughts?
  • This example illustrates a compound sentence by featuring two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction. Compound sentences are effective because they allow writers to express complex thoughts and relationships between ideas in a clear and concise manner. By using coordination, such as with 'but', sentences can present contrasting information, which enriches the overall message.
• Evaluate how different coordinating conjunctions might change the meaning of the phrase, particularly focusing on alternatives to 'but'.
  • If we replace 'but' with other coordinating conjunctions like 'and' or 'so', the meaning of the phrase shifts significantly. For example, using 'and' would suggest that both wanting to walk and it starting to rain are equally important events happening simultaneously, while 'so' would imply a cause-and-effect relationship where rain leads to not going for a walk. Each conjunction brings its own nuance, illustrating how word choice in coordination influences interpretation and clarity.

Related terms

Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Coordinating Conjunction: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance, such as 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet'.

Complex Sentence: A sentence that contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.