Compound-Complex Sentence | Examples & Definition
A compound–complex sentence consists of at least two independent clauses joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction or a semicolon and at least one dependent clause.
As the name suggests, compound-complex sentences incorporate elements of both a compound sentence and a complex sentence, two of the other sentence structures in English.
This necklace is very important to me, so don’t lose it unless you want to see me angry.
The convention was electrifying; many attendees, who came from all over the country, said they didn’t want to leave.
If Ellen doesn’t want to go, I can ask Patrick, or I can just go alone.
What is a compound-complex sentence?
To understand compound-complex sentences, it’s important to understand all four sentence structures in English. They are differentiated by the number and type of clauses they have.
- An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that can stand on its own as a sentence (i.e., a simple sentence).
- A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand on its own as a sentence. It typically begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., “if,” “because”) or a relative pronoun (e.g., “that,” “which,” “who”).
| Type | Components | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | One independent clause | I will go to Paris on Monday. |
| Compound | Two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon | I will go to Paris on Monday, and Devin will meet me on Wednesday. |
| Complex | One independent clause and one or more dependent clauses | Devin will meet me on Wednesday unless his flight is delayed. |
| Compound-complex | Two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses | I will go to Paris on Monday, and Devin will meet me on Wednesday unless his flight is delayed. |
As you can see, compound-complex sentences contain the two independent clauses of a compound sentence and the dependent clause of a complex sentence. These components can be in essentially any order, as shown in the examples below.
We decided to go for a hike even though it was raining, and we enjoyed the adventure.
After you get off work, come to Sam’s house, or just meet us at the restaurant.
Patients in the study experienced dramatic improvement in symptoms; although this seems positive, results are still preliminary.
Punctuation in compound-complex sentences
Because compound-complex sentences are made up of multiple clauses, punctuation can be a bit tricky. There are a few guidelines you can keep in mind to help you. QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can also help you make sure your sentences are punctuated correctly.
Joining independent clauses
Compound-complex sentences will always have a comma and coordinating conjunction (“for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” “so”) or a semicolon (;), just like compound sentences. The words on either side of this punctuation will be able to stand on their own as sentences.
Colin failed the test because he didn’t study, so his parents are angry.
The legislation is certain to fail; the party leader does not support it even though it is popular.
Adverbial clauses
Adverbial clauses (a type of dependent clause) can come before or after an independent clause. When they come before, a comma is required. When they come after, a comma is typically not needed.
Colin failed the test because he didn’t study, so his parents are angry.
The legislation is certain to fail; even though it is popular, the party leader doesn’t support it.
Relative clauses
Relative clauses are set off by commas when they are nonrestrictive (i.e., not essential to the meaning or clarity of the sentence) and are not set off by commas when they are restrictive (i.e., essential to the meaning or clarity of the sentence).
Colin, who hardly studied at all, failed the test, so his parents are angry.
Any legislation that changes the inheritance tax is certain to fail; even if it is popular, the party leader won’t support it.
Frequently asked questions about compound-complex sentences
- What is an example of a compound-complex sentence?
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An example of a compound-complex sentence is “I want to go to London, but Carrie wants to go to New York because it is closer.”
This example has the necessary components of a compound-complex sentence:
- At least two independent clauses (“I want to go to London” and “Carrie wants to go to New York”) joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction (or a semicolon)
- At least one dependent clause (“because it is closer”)
QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you vary your sentence structure in your writing.
- How do you write a compound-complex sentence?
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You can write a compound-complex sentence in many different ways, but it must have the following components:
- At least two independent clauses joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction (or semicolon)
- At least one dependent clause
These components can be arranged in essentially any order.
Compound-complex sentence examples If the presentation goes poorly, I will call the client to apologize, but I don’t think we need to worry.I will call the client to apologize if the presentation goes poorly, but I don’t think we need to worry.
The presentation went poorly; I called the client, whom I’ve known for years, to apologize.
I don’t think we need to worry, but, if the presentation goes poorly, I will call the client to apologize.
QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can help you use compound-complex sentences correctly.
- What is the difference between a complex sentence and a compound sentence?
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Complex sentences are made up of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Compound sentences are made up of two or more independent clauses connected with a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
Complex vs compound sentence examples Complex sentence Compound sentence If it stops raining, I will go to the park. It stopped raining, so I went to the park. Kya was sleeping while the teacher was talking. The teacher was talking, and Kya was sleeping. QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you vary your sentence structure to improve your writing.
