Elaborating Ideas with Compound Sentences

Elaboration can turn a good sentence into a great one. When you elaborate, you put more meat on the bones of your sentence by adding details.

You can elaborate sentences in many ways, including asking and answering adverb questions. Another way is to create a compound sentence.

Better sleep leads to better learning.

This is a nice sentence, but what else should readers know?

Better sleep leads to better learning, so some schools are starting later in the day.

Notice that a comma and a coordinating conjunction (so) connect the new clause to the original sentence. The connecting word so signals an effect. Different coordinating conjunctions signal other connections.

Better sleep leads to better learning, but many young people struggle to get enough sleep.

But signals a contrast, moving the sentence in a new direction. (The connecting word yet serves a similar purpose.)

Better sleep leads to better learning, for sleep is proven to boost concentration and retention.

For signals that the next idea is the reason for the previous one.

Better sleep leads to better learning, and it improves social and emotional well-being.

And adds a detail of equal value.

Your Turn Practice elaborating by finishing these sentence starters. When you finish, compare your compound sentences with a classmate’s.

1. Astronauts explore space, so
2. Astronauts explore space, but
3. Astronauts explore space, and

 

4. Some schools use digital textbooks, and
5. Some schools use digital textbooks, yet
6. Some schools use digital textbooks, so

 

7. The animal shelter is overcrowded, so
8. The animal shelter is overcrowded, for
9. The animal shelter is overcrowded, but