Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence is made from two independent clauses and
one or more dependent clauses.
Some examples:
1. Although I like to chat with you, I haven't had the time to visit you lately,
and I haven't found the book I promised you.
independent clause: "I haven't had the time to visit you lately"
independent clause: "I haven't found the book I promised you."
dependent clause: "Although I like to chat with you... "
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2. We decided that the movie was too violent, but our children, who like to
watch scary movies, thought that we were wrong.
independent clause: "We decided that the movie was too violent"
independent clause: "(but) our children thought that we were wrong"
dependent clause: who like to watch scary movies
Because compound-complex sentences are normally longer than other
sentences, it is very important to punctuate them correctly.
PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN:
With a partner or on your own, write three of your own compound-complex
sentences in the space provided. Use the example below to help guide your writing.
After you are finished, write one of your sentences on the board. As a group, we will
determine if they are, in fact, compound-complex sentences.
Example: Begin with two independent clauses:
The players jumped for joy. The fans cheered.
Then combine the independent clauses to form a compound sentence:
The players jumped for joy, and the fans cheered.
Now, add a dependent clause to your compound sentence to create a
compound-complex sentence.
The players jumped for joy, and the fans cheered because they won the
state championship.
OR
When they won the state championship, the players jumped for joy, and
the fans cheered.
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HOMEWORK:
For more practice, choose a passage from a book, newspaper, or magazine you
are reading. Identify compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. By
understanding how other writers use these types of sentences, you can improve your
ability to craft your own compound-complex sentences.
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