The general characteristics of the compound sentence

The compound sentence is a composite sentence built on the principle of coordination.

Coordination, the same as subordination, can be expressed either syndetically (by means of coordinative connectors) or asyndetically.

Similar semantic types of relations are to be found between independent, separate sentences forming a continual text. The compound sentence is derived from two or more base sentences which, as we have already stated above, are connected on the principle of coordination either syndetically or asyndetically. The base sentences joined into one compound sentence lose their independent status and become coordinate clauses — parts of a composite unity. The first clause is "leading" (the "leader" clause), the successive clauses are "sequential". This division is essential not only from the point of view of outer structure (clause-order), but also in the light of the semantico-syntactic content: it is the sequential clause that includes the connector in its composition, thus being turned into some kind of dependent clause, although the type of its dependence is not subordinative.

In the multi-clause compound sentence of a closed type the final part is joined on an unequal basis with the previous ones (or one), whereby a finalisation of the expressed chain of ideas is achieved.

Criteria	Description	Examples
Invariant-sentences	2 or more predicative lines, independent parts, transformational index (Т conj.), coordinative connection between elements is realized: a) syndetically (coordinative conjunctions, connectives, conjunctiv adverbs); b) asyndetically;
The main models	1) clauses are united by coordinative conjunctions and, but, nor, neither or discontinuous connective words either … or; neither … nor	1. The breeze blew and the yacht sailed fast. 2. Ruth was watching him but he turned his eyes away. 3. Either the letter never roached him or was too busy to answer.
2) clauses are united by functional words or conjunctive adverbs thus, however, consequently, so, nevertheless.	The instruments were not checked so the date of the experiment were not reliable.
3)clauses united asyndenically	The words ran together; her heart pounded.
expressed semantico –syntactic relations	1)actions simultaneous of the moment of speaking	The band played and the quests spoke in loud voices.
2)actions taking in the order of concession	The hostess came in and the quests rose to meet her
3)the result:	he was nervous so his hands were shaking
4)actions opposed to each other:	The proceedings of the symposium were closed. But nevertheless some of the delegates continued their discussion.
5) the main and attendant actions:	They sat out on the balcony and the moon was shining bright above the forest.
types of compound sentences	Of close structure	They waited a long time but he never came
Of open structure	The train drew up, the porters rushed on to the platform, the passengers came out the carriages, friends exchanged greetings…
Types of construction	parataxis (coordination)
Types of syntactic relations in the sentence	1. Copulative coordination (соединительная связь), expressed by the conjunctions and, nor, neither... nor, not only... but (also).	It was a nice little place and Mr. and Mrs. Witla were rather proud of it. (Dreiser) Mr. Home did not lift his eyes from his breakfast-plate for about two minutes, nor did he speak. (Ch. Bronte)
2. Disjunctive coordination (разделительная связь) expressed by the conjunctions or, else, or else, either... or, and the conjunctive adverb otherwise. By these a choice is offered between the statements expressed in two clauses.	He knew it to be nonsense or it would have frightened him. (Galsworthy) ... either our union must be consecrated and sealed by marriage or it cannot exist. (Ch. Bronte)
3. Adversative coordination (противительная связь) expressed by the conjunctions but, while,^{^[1]} whereas and the conjunctive adverbs nevertheless, still, yet. These are conjunctions and adverbs connecting two clauses contrasting in meaning.	The room was dark, but the street was lighter because of its lamps. (Dickens) He had a glass eye which remained stationary, while the other eye looked at Reinhardt. (Heym) The old school-room was now a sitting room... whereas one of the old nurseries was now the modern school-room. (Trollope) I was not unhappy, not much afraid, yet I wept. (Ch. Bronte)
4. Causative-consecutive coordination (причинно-следственная связь) expressed by the conjunctions for, so and the conjunctive adverbs therefore, accordingly, consequently, hence. For introduces coordinate clauses explaining the preceding statement. Therefore, so, consequently, hence, accordingly introduce coordinate clauses denoting cause, consequence and result.	There was something amiss with Mr. Lightwood, for he was strangely grave and looked ill. (Dickens) After all, the two of them belonged to the same trade, so talk was easy and happy between them. (Priestley)
Transformational potential	1) Substitution // replacement 2) The omission of the same finite verb 3) Attendant actions to be expressed through the participial phrase	1) He speaks French, so do I. 2) John wentto Italy, his sister to Spain. Mister Dell was a trifle paler, his hair beginning to receedfrom his forehead.