- •Table of contents
- •Introduction
- •1.1. Compound sentence as a type of a composite sentence
- •1.1.1. Classification of sentences in English
- •1.1.2. Compound and Semi-compound Sentence
- •1.1.3. Conjunctive and Non-conjunctive Coordination
- •1) Syndetic (conjunctive);
- •1.2. The Means of Expressing Logico-semantic Relations between Coordinate Clauses
- •1.2.1 Types of Coordination in a Compound Sentence
- •1.2.2. Semantical Correlation with the Subordinative Connections
- •1.2.3. Punctuating Compound Sentences
- •1) Coordinate clauses joined by copulative conjunctions.
- •3) Coordinate clauses joined by adversative conjunctions.
- •2.1. The many facets of Oscar Wilde's literary legacy
- •2.1.1. Biographical portrayal of Oscar Wilde
- •2.1.2. General review of o. Wilde's oeuvre
- •2.1.3. Literary analysis of the short story “The Nightingale and the Rose”
- •I. Main characters:
- •2.2. The syntactic analysis of compound sentences in the short story “The Nightingale and the Rose” by o. Wilde
- •2.2.1. The use of different sentence types in the story
- •2.2.2. Compound sentence types represented in the literary work
- •2.2.3. The use of literary devices employed in the story in regard to the structure of compound sentences
1.2.3. Punctuating Compound Sentences
In writing coordinate clauses may be marked off by a comma (,), a semicolon (;), a colon (:) or occasionally a dash (—). Let's consider the main punctuation rules that apply to compound sentences.
If the coordinate clauses are closely connected it is customary to use a comma: I started on time, but I arrived late. However, if the clauses are more inderendent it is recommended to use a semicolon [22]: All happy families resemble one another; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. (Tolstoy)
Comma is typically used for separating short clauses, as in: I came, I saw, I conquered. Semicolons, on the other hand, are used to separate extended clauses that contain internal punctuation: Thanks to my grandma's excellent cooking, the cake was extremely delicious; still, I couldn't eat another bite.
There are some stylistic implications concerning the use of comma and semicolon. Whereas comma is more neutral, semicolon is perceived as a stronger punctuation mark. It also worth noting that using semicolon before the coordinate conjunctions is viewed by many native speakers as old-fashioned [52].
The difference between American and British English punctuation should also be considered. The British do not use commas between two closely related coordinate clauses [52]: It is nearly half past six and we cannot reach town before dark.
If the second clause of compound sentence elaborates on the first one it is appropriate to use a colon [22]. That is to say, this punctuation mark is used when the sequential clause explains, concludes or follows from the first clause: The river was dangerous: the spring runoff has made it flood several towns. His ambition is clear: he intends to be number one in his field.
In such cases parts which follow a colon are usually pronounced with a specific prosody: the tempo is diminished, the loudness is increased.
Sometimes the colon is used to indicate the balancing of the phrase or idea against another: Those who can, do: those who can't, stand back and watch.
We also use colon to introduce direct speech: The kids shouted: “What is in the box?”
A dash is a strong punctuation mark that can be used within a compound sentence to separate coordinate clauses, especially in cases when the second part of the sentence contains explanation, paraphrase, or diversification of the previous thought [22]: She suddenly felt filled with joy – a joy she couldn't explain by any logical reason.
A dash may also be used to introduce a construction of the parenthetical origin, an afterthought: Psychologically speaking, there couldn't be found any ulterior motives for such a behaviour – for there wasn't any.
Sometimes two dashes are used instead of parentheses to enclose an aside (a diversion): His new car was amazing – it was a 2010 Lamborghini – but he could never drive it outside.
Let's analyse the use of punctuation marks in the compound sentences with different types of coordinate conjunctions.