Identify the correctly written compound sentences

Identify the correctly written compound sentences. Check all that apply.
Sending quick, irrational replies to upsetting e-mail messages can be emotionally gratifying; however, it is not wise.
Informational messages are usually organized in a direct manner but sensitive messages are often indirect to avoid offending the recipient
Good writers use parallel structure in lists to display strong logic; bad writers create unparallel lists that lack logic.
Pie charts should be used to show relationships between parts of a whole, but bar graphs should be used to illustrate differences between items or variables.

The correct answer and explanation is :

The correctly written compound sentences are:

“Sending quick, irrational replies to upsetting e-mail messages can be emotionally gratifying; however, it is not wise.”
“Good writers use parallel structure in lists to display strong logic; bad writers create unparallel lists that lack logic.”
“Pie charts should be used to show relationships between parts of a whole, but bar graphs should be used to illustrate differences between items or variables.”

Explanation (300 words):

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) or a semicolon (;). Each independent clause must be able to stand alone as a complete sentence.

Let’s analyze the given sentences:

  1. “Sending quick, irrational replies to upsetting e-mail messages can be emotionally gratifying; however, it is not wise.”
  • This is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses joined by a semicolon and a transitional word (however).
  1. “Informational messages are usually organized in a direct manner but sensitive messages are often indirect to avoid offending the recipient.”
  • ❌ Incorrect because “but” is not preceded by a comma. To be a correct compound sentence, it should be:
    “Informational messages are usually organized in a direct manner, but sensitive messages are often indirect to avoid offending the recipient.”
  1. “Good writers use parallel structure in lists to display strong logic; bad writers create unparallel lists that lack logic.”
  • This is a compound sentence because two independent clauses are joined with a semicolon.
  1. “Pie charts should be used to show relationships between parts of a whole, but bar graphs should be used to illustrate differences between items or variables.”
  • This is a compound sentence because two independent clauses are joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction but.
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