Compound-Complex Sentences 

In this lesson we learn about compound-complex sentences, which are essential sentence structures that combine multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.

"Compound-Complex" Sentences in the English Grammar

What Are Compound-complex Sentences?

A compound-complex sentence is a combination of a compound and complex sentence. It has two or more main clauses which are independent, and at least one dependent clause. In other words, when more than two sentences are joined together using a conjunction, the resulting structure is called a compound-complex sentence.

Independent and Dependent Clauses

The main (independent) clause is a clause that has a subject and finite verb whose tense determines the tense of the sentence, and can form a simple sentence with complete meaning.

A dependent clause depends on the main clause to make sense and begins with a subordinating conjunction, a relative pronoun or relative adverb, or that.

Example

My favorite food is lasagna.

Independent clause

When he was in New York

Dependent clause

Tip!

All standard sentences must have at least one independent clause, in other words, they must have at least one subject and one finite verb.

Compound and Complex Sentences

A compound sentence is comprised of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or) or by a semicolon.

A complex sentence contains a dependent clause that relies on the main clause to make sense. When the dependent clause is placed before the independent clause, the two clauses must be divided by a comma; but when the main clause comes first, no punctuation is necessary.

Example

I have a pet rabbit, and his name is Fluffy. (A compound sentence)

When I grow up, I'm going to be a superstar! (A complex sentence)

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Compound-complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence is comprised of at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Dependent clause

+ Independent clause

+ Independent clause

Although Sam prefers to watch animated movies,

he rented the latest horror movie,

and he loved it very much.

Independent clause

+ Independent clause

+ Dependent clause

Laura forgot her friend's birthday,

but she sent her a card

when she finally remembered.

Dependent clause

+ Independent clause

+ Independent clause

+ Independent clause

When I was a little boy,

I wanted to become a superstar,

and I started practicing guitar;

however, I couldn't make it.

Independent clause

+ Dependent clause

+ Independent clause

I grew up in a city

that is known for its beautiful parks,

and it attracts tourists from all over the world.

Punctuation

Compound-complex sentences are usually longer than simple sentences, which is why it is very important to punctuate them correctly to avoid ambiguity. The rules for punctuation differ depending on the type of dependent clause and the words that connect the independent clauses:

A subordinate clause can come at the beginning, middle, or end of a compound-complex sentence; however, when it comes at the beginning of the sentence, a comma must be used after it.

Example

Since she loves music, she plays the piano every day, and she also sings in a choir.

The subordinate clause is at the beginning of the sentence, so a comma is used after it. Also, a comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction "and".

A relative clause follows a noun and its punctuation depends on whether it is restrictive or non-restrictive. Restrictive relative clauses do not need any punctuation, but non-restrictive clauses are set off by two commas.

Example

The movie, which was released last year, received many awards, but it wasn't very popular among critics.

"which was released last year" is a non-restrictive clause, so it is separated from the rest of the clause by two commas on either side.

A comma is always placed before the coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses, regardless of its placement in the sentence.

Example

I went to the store because I needed groceries, but they were out of milk.

The subordinate clause is in the middle of the sentence so there is no need for a comma after it. However, coordinating conjunctions are always preceded by a comma.

If the independent clauses are connected using a conjunctive adverb instead of a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon is placed before the conjunctive adverb and a comma is used after it, regardless of its placement in the sentence.

Example

Although it was raining, we went for a walk; however, we returned quickly because the rain got worse.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that link a clause to the other parts of the sentence. They join the independent and dependent clauses together.

Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or

Subordinating conjunctions: as, when, while, because, since, after, before, although, though, if, whether, unless, until, etc.

Conjunctive adverbs: anyway, meanwhile, also, however, next, consequently, finally, nevertheless, etc.

Example

When I was sleeping, my son had a nightmare, so he woke me up, and I calmed him down.

John, who loves pasta, rarely eats lasagna; however, he loves Ribollita.

Review

Since you are familiar with compound and complex sentences, It might be easy for you to guess the structure and function of compound-complex sentences. A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Look at the following examples for more clarification:

Example

Since cooking is the hardest thing ever, I prefer to order foods from restaurants, and Graham agrees with me on this.

When she was in Los Angeles, she used to work hard, and she even slept less.

Quiz:


1.

Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?

A

I went to the store, and I bought some groceries.

B

Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.

C

She finished her homework because she wanted to go out.

D

The dog barked loudly, but the cat ignored it.

2.

Match the sentences with their correct structure.

Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.
She finished her homework, but she forgot to submit it because she was in a hurry.
He went to the store because he needed groceries, but they were out of milk.
Dependent + Independent + Independent Clause
Independent + Independent + Dependent Clause
Independent + Dependent + Independent Clause
3.

Fill the blanks based on the content of the lesson. (There is two extra option.)

A compound-complex sentence must have at least two

clauses and at least one

clause.

A dependent clause begins with a

conjunction, a relative pronoun, or a relative adverb.

When a dependent clause starts a compound-complex sentence, a

should be placed right after it.

If independent clauses are joined using a conjunctive adverb, a

is placed before it and a comma follows it.

When the dependent clause in a compound-complex sentence is a relative clause, it must be separated by commas if it

.

semicolon
restrictive
independent
dependent
coordinating
non-restrictive
subordinating
comma
4.

Arrange the words to form a correct compound-complex sentence.

it
we
to
,
a
by
we
to
walk
stopped
and
,
was
go
a
.
café
decided
warm up
for
raining
although
5.

Which compound-complex sentence is punctuated correctly?

A

While I was reading; my cat sat beside me and the rain tapped against the window.

B

After the movie ended we went for ice cream; and then we took a walk by the lake.

C

Before the meeting started, Tom reviewed his notes, and he made sure his presentation was ready.

D

The teacher, whose class I attend is very kind and she always encourages us to do our best.

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