Combining Sentences

You can put two sentences together if they have the same predicate.

Mom cheered.

Dad cheered.

Mom and Dad cheered.

Use the word and to join the sentences.

Mike played ball.

Mark played ball.

Mike and Mark played ball.

Boys ran fast.

Girls ran fast.

Boys and girls ran fast.

Writers might combine sentences to vary them and make their writing better.

The teacher played a game.

The students played a game.

The teacher and students played a game.

You can join two sentences if they have the same predicate. Use the word and to join the sentences.

You decide if these sentences can be combined.

Dad went to the store.

Mom cleaned the house.

Can these sentences be combined?

No, they have different predicates.

Sally read a book.

Ann read a book.

Can these sentences be combined?

Yes, they have the same predicates.

Sally and Ann read a book.

Lights shine bright.

Stars shine bright.

Can these sentences be combined?

Yes, they have the same predicate.

Lights and stars shine bright.

Cars raced down the street.

Trucks cleaned the road.

Can these sentences be combined?

No!

They do not have the same predicate.

Birds eat seeds.

Squirrels eat seeds.

Birds and Squirrels eat seeds.

Now, tell me how to combine these sentences.

Bill made signs.

Lee made signs.

Bill and Lee made signs.

The washer made a noise.

The oven made a noise.

The washer and oven made a noise.

Let’s review!

You can join two sentences if they have the same predicate.

Use the word and to join the sentences.