LoginCompound-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.
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.
My favorite food is lasagna.
Independent clause
When he was in New York
Dependent clause
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Which of the following sentences is a compound-complex sentence?
I love reading books, and I enjoy watching movies.
Since I had a lot of homework, I stayed up late, but I still didn't finish on time.
She was tired because she worked late to deliver the project before the deadline.
We went to the park, and we played soccer with some high school students.
Match each sentence fragment on the left with the correct ending on the right to form a compound-complex sentence.
Fill in the blank with the correct punctuation.
When she was young
she loved to play outside
and she always enjoyed the sunshine.
I was feeling tired
however
I stayed up late because I had to finish the project.
I went to the store because I needed groceries
but they were out of milk.
Since she loves music
she plays the piano every day
moreover
she sings in a choir.
The book
which I borrowed from the library
is very interesting, and it has become one of my favorites.
Sort the words to form a compound-complex sentence.
Which of the following correctly follows the punctuation rules for a compound-complex sentence?
Since it was raining, we stayed inside but we still had fun.
We went to the mall; however we didn't need anything, so we just ate lunch.
Although she was tired, she finished her homework, and she reviewed for the test.
I like reading books, but I don’t enjoy writing essays, because they take too long.
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