What Is a Compound Complex Sentence?
A compound complex sentence combines at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
This structure allows for detailed and nuanced expression by linking multiple related ideas within a single sentence.
Understanding Compound Complex Sentences
Compound sentences connect two independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions like "and" or "but."
Complex sentences link an independent clause with a dependent clause using subordinating conjunctions like "because" or "although."
A compound complex sentence merges these structures, incorporating multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Examples:
Compound sentence: She likes tea, and he likes coffee.
Complex sentence: Although she likes tea, he likes coffee.
Compound complex sentence: She likes tea, and he likes coffee because it keeps him awake.
Components of Compound Complex Sentences
These sentences have independent clauses, which can stand alone as sentences, and dependent clauses, which cannot.
Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or) join independent clauses. Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, since) link dependent clauses to independent ones.
Examples:
Independent clause: She went to the store.
Dependent clause: because she needed milk.
Combined: She went to the store because she needed milk, and she bought bread too.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The most common ones are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS).
Example:
He was tired, but he finished his homework.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. They show the relationship between the two clauses.
Examples:
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
He didn’t go to the party because he was feeling sick.
How to Construct Compound Complex Sentences
Start with an independent clause.
Add a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction.
Attach another independent clause with a coordinating conjunction.
Example:
He didn’t see the sign, although it was clear, and he missed the exit.
Common Mistakes
Overusing conjunctions: Too many conjunctions can make a sentence confusing. Aim for clarity.
Improper punctuation: Use commas to separate the clauses correctly. Place a comma before a coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses.
Unbalanced clauses: Ensure that independent clauses can stand alone and dependent clauses cannot.
Example of a mistake:
Incorrect: He went to the store and he bought milk because he was out of milk.
Correct: He went to the store because he was out of milk, and he bought bread too.
Practical Examples of Compound Complex Sentences
Examples help illustrate the structure and usage:
She enjoys painting, and she often paints landscapes because they inspire her.
He reads every night, although he prefers thrillers, and he finishes a book weekly.
They traveled to France, but they couldn’t visit the Eiffel Tower because it was closed for maintenance.
While she loves classical music, he prefers jazz, and they attend concerts regularly.
The dog barked loudly, and it woke the neighbors who were sleeping.
Punctuation plays a crucial role in maintaining clarity. Use commas to separate clauses appropriately.
Exercises and Practice
Try combining the following sentences into compound complex sentences:
She writes daily. She enjoys it. It helps her relax.
The team won the match. They celebrated all night. It was a thrilling victory.
He was tired. He finished his work. It was a long day.
Answers:
She writes daily because she enjoys it, and it helps her relax.
The team won the match, and they celebrated all night because it was a thrilling victory.
Although he was tired, he finished his work, and it was a long day.
Additional Practice
Combine the following sentences into compound complex sentences:
The sun was shining. We decided to go for a hike. It started raining halfway through.
She studied hard for the exam. She wanted to get a good grade. She felt confident after finishing.
He loves cooking. He tries new recipes every week. His friends enjoy coming over for dinner.
Answers:
The sun was shining, so we decided to go for a hike, but it started raining halfway through.
She studied hard for the exam because she wanted to get a good grade, and she felt confident after finishing.
He loves cooking, and he tries new recipes every week, so his friends enjoy coming over for dinner.