There are several sentence structures, among which a compound complex sentence is a bit complicated and requires the learner's detailed attention. The reason is that these sentences are a further mixture of two types, compound and complex sentences. Therefore, this blog will help you understand this particular topic in brief with the help of structuring, rules, examples, and a practice exercise. So, read till the end, solve the exercise, and notice a gradual improvement in yourself.
Table of Contents
Before knowing the formation or structuring, it is important to know the definition of compound complex sentence. Thus, it is a sentence that has one or more dependent clauses and two or more independent clauses combined by a conjunction or semicolon. An independent clause includes a subject and a verb and is a complete thought. A dependent clause is an incomplete thought and would not be a full sentence by itself.
For example: I will go to Dubai on Friday (independent clause), and Jackie will meet me on Saturday (independent clause) unless her flight is delayed (dependent clause).
Therefore, this was the compound complex sentence definition that you must know. Refer to the example to know the proper structuring of such sentences.
To understand the structure of compound complex sentence in English, it is first important to understand the difference between compound and complex sentences.
There is a garden near my house, which my cousins and I used to sit in when we were younger, and I go there sometimes when I try to remember those days.
In the above example:
a. Independent clause 1: There is a garden near my house
b. Subordinating conjunction: which
c. Dependent clause: My cousins and I used to sit when we were younger
d. Coordinating conjunction: and
e. Independent clause 2: I go there sometimes when I try to remember those days.
This is the structure of the complex compound sentence. Understand this to get better clarity about the particular topic.
Read More: Declarative Sentence, Interrogative Sentence, Imperative Sentence
While framing the compound-complex sentences, it is important to keep in mind that they consist of both a compound structure (two or more independent clauses) and a complex structure (at least one dependent clause) within a single sentence. So, read below to know how to frame these sentences by putting the right elements in the right place.
1. Independent Clause: These are the complete thoughts that can be used as a complete sentence in themselves. It consists of a verb and a subject.
2. Connection of the independent clauses: Connect the independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions such as (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). You can also use a semicolon to join the independent clauses.
3. Introduce a dependent clause: A dependent clause is an incomplete thought that can't stand alone. It usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, while, etc.).
4. Structuring of the sentence: The dependent clause can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence.
5. Punctuation: Use commas accurately to join the independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Semicolons can be used to join closely related independent clauses and to separate items in a list where commas are also used.
These are the rules of framing compound-complex sentences. So, it is for sure different from a simple sentence, and you need to remember several elements to form these sentences accurately.
Going through the examples of compound complex sentences is important to get better clarity on the following topic. So, check them out below and learn sentence structuring through these examples.
1. Because the rain was pouring down, the game was postponed, and the disappointed fans went home.
2. After the movie ended, we went out for ice cream, and although it was late, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
3. The dog barked loudly whenever a car drove by, but he usually calmed down once he recognized the vehicle.
4. Since she had studied diligently for weeks, she felt confident about the exam, and her hard work paid off with a high score.
5. Although he was tired after a long day at work, he still helped his neighbor with her gardening, and they chatted happily.
6. While the chef prepared the delicious meal, the guests mingled in the living room, and the aroma filled the air.
7. If you need any assistance with your project, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will gladly offer my support.
8. Even though the journey was challenging, they persevered, and eventually, they reached their destination.
9. Before the sun rose, the birds began to sing their cheerful melodies, and the quiet morning air filled with their song.
10. As soon as the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted in cheers, and the winning team celebrated its victory.
These are the compound complex sentence examples that will help you understand the structure of the same. So, try creating some sentences yourselves and master the topic with ease.
Here, solve the compound complex sentence exercise where you have to identify the independent and dependent clauses. So, solve it and check your progress for the same.
1. Because the movie was so captivating, the audience remained silent, and they didn't move until the credits rolled.
Answer
2. After the rain stopped, the sun came out, and we decided to go for a walk since the air felt fresh.
Answer
3. Although he was quite skilled, he didn't get the job, but he continued to apply because he was determined.
Answer
4. If you finish your homework, you can play video games, and your sister can join you after she completes her chores.
Answer
5. While the chef prepared the main course, the appetizers were served, and the guests eagerly awaited the meal.
Answer
6. Since the internet was down, we couldn't stream any shows, so we played board games instead, which was actually quite fun.
Answer
7. Even though the hike was challenging, the view from the top was breathtaking, and we felt a sense of accomplishment.
Answer
8. Before the meeting started, everyone grabbed a cup of coffee, and they chatted informally until the presenter began speaking.
Answer
9. As soon as the teacher dismissed the class, the students packed their bags, and they hurried out because the weekend had begun.
Answer
10. Because she had practiced diligently, her performance was flawless, and the judges were thoroughly impressed.
Answer
This was all about the compound complex sentence. Here, you went through the definition and examples of this topic. Apart from that, the structure of these sentences is also discussed in the blog. Moreover, go through the rules of framing these sentences for better understanding. Furthermore, there is an exercise given in the blog that will help you assess your performance and make gradual improvements. You can also reach out to our academic experts to learn all types of sentence structures and other topics to improve your English. So, get enrolled in the classes and become a master of the language.
Also Read: Exclamatory Sentence, English Grammar Rules
1. How Do You Write Compound-Complex Sentences?
A compound-complex sentence is comprised of at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
2. What Is the Difference Between a Complex Sentence and a Compound Sentence?
A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses, each of which can stand alone as a complete thought. A complex sentence, on the other hand, contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, where the dependent clause cannot stand alone.
3. What Are Five Examples of Complex Compound Sentences?
a. Because the weather was bad, the game was postponed, and the fans went home disappointed.
b. I tried to call him, but he didn't answer, although I left a message.
c. After we finished dinner, we went for a walk, and then we watched a movie.
d. While we were on vacation, it rained, but we still had a great time.
e. If she studies hard, she will pass the test, and then she will be able to graduate.
4. How to Identify a Compound Sentence?
A compound sentence is identified by having two or more independent clauses joined together, mainly by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
5. How to Change a Compound to a Complex Sentence?
To convert a compound sentence to a complex sentence, change one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause by introducing a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
We are available in :
BangaloreAhmedabadJaipurHyderabadKeralaPuneChandigarhMumbaiGurgaonChennaiKolkataTrivandrumNoidaKochiCalicutKottayamKollamThrissurIndoreUdaipurdisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.
