Compound predicate. When two or more verbs are used in one sentence to describe the action a single subject takes, the verbs constitute a compound predicate. Compound predicates with two verbs joined by a conjunction (and “but” or the like) do not need to have a comma separating the verbs. WRONG In the spring bears emerge from hibernation, and search for mates No comma is needed anywhere in this sentence, though it is a common error to insert one. Compound sentence.Two or more independent clauses, however joined, constitute a compound sentence. Bear in mind that similar compound sentences should be joined in similar ways with a comma and “and” or another conjunction or without such a comma—but consistently. Similarly, writers should take care with such sentences to be sure that pronounsare given clear antecedents across the joined clauses and that pronouns and verbs agree across the clauses (see agreement). UNCLEAR: The teacher gave the student the book, and they were correct BETTER: “The teacher gave the student books, and they were the correct ones.”
