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Simple Complex Sentence

The document discusses compound-complex sentences, which contain at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. Compound-complex sentences combine the features of both compound sentences, which join two independent clauses, and complex sentences, which join an independent and dependent clause. To write compound-complex sentences correctly, dependent clauses can be placed at the beginning, middle or end and punctuation rules for both compound and complex sentences must be followed. The examples demonstrate how compound-complex sentences add detail and variety to writing.

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Abdur Rehman
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87 views

Simple Complex Sentence

The document discusses compound-complex sentences, which contain at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. Compound-complex sentences combine the features of both compound sentences, which join two independent clauses, and complex sentences, which join an independent and dependent clause. To write compound-complex sentences correctly, dependent clauses can be placed at the beginning, middle or end and punctuation rules for both compound and complex sentences must be followed. The examples demonstrate how compound-complex sentences add detail and variety to writing.

Uploaded by

Abdur Rehman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Writing Compound-

Complex Sentences
Sentence formation is one of the key ingredients to good writing. There are several
forms of sentences you can use in your writing - simple, compound, complex and
compound-complex - and knowing how to use all of them will allow you to express your
ideas with clarity and in great detail. You'll also be able to add variety to your work to
keep the reader interested.

Of all sentence constructions, compound-complex sentences are typically the longest


and most involved. This is because they combine two different types of sentences into
one long sentence. To be specific, a compound-complex sentence unites a compound
sentence with a complex sentence.

Understanding the Clause


Before you start writing compound-complex sentences, you'll need to understand the
two types of clauses in a sentence. A clause is any portion of a sentence that includes a
subject and a verb.

The word "clause" itself does not necessarily describe a complete sentence. However,
simple sentences are made of an independent clause, which can stand alone as a
complete sentence. For example:
 Erin loves her brother.
 The dog ran off.
 I am tall.

Each of the sentences above has a subject and verb, and it stands by itself as a
complete idea. This is an independent clause or a complete simple sentence.
The other kind of clause is a dependent clause. These are not complete sentences, but
they do contain a noun and a verb. For example:
 When I come home
 If you sell the most cookies
 Because she is so smart
Notice that each of these clauses begins with a relative pronoun. This is the word that
turns an independent clause into a dependent clause that must be attached to another
independent clause. It cannot stand alone. You need more information to complete the
thought.

Compound Sentences
Compound sentences are formed by combining two independent clauses. For example:

 Erin loves her brother, and he loves her too.


 The dog ran off, but I didn't care.
 I am tall, yet she is short.
Note that when independent clauses are joined, they need a coordinating
conjunction between them. Coordinating conjunctions include the following words: for,
and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

When you write a compound sentence, you need to use a comma before the
coordinating conjunction to punctuate your sentence correctly.

Complex Sentences
When a dependent clause is joined to an independent clause, it forms a complex
sentence. The dependent clause can come either at the beginning or the end of the
sentence. For example:

 When I come home, I will eat dinner.


 If you sell the most cookies, you will win the prize.
 The college gave her a scholarship because she is so smart.
Note that when you place the dependent clause at the beginning of the sentence, you
need to put a comma after it. When the dependent clause is at the end of the sentence,
no comma is required.

Compound-Complex Sentences
As the name suggests, a compound-complex sentence brings both of these sentence
forms together. That is, it contains at least two independent clauses (like a compound
sentence) and at least one dependent clause (like a complex sentence). For example:

 Erin loves her brother, and he loves her too because she pays his bills.
 The dog ran off when I chased him, but I didn't care.
 Though my mother says it doesn't matter, I am tall, and she is short.

Note that the dependent clause can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a compound-
complex sentence. No matter where it is placed, the punctuation follows the rules for
both compound sentences and complex sentences.

That means that you need to put a comma before the coordinating conjunction and, if
applicable, another comma after the dependent clause when it occurs at the beginning
of the sentence.

See some additional examples to get a feel for how compound-complex sentences will
help you add detail to your writing:

 When I went to the store, my parents wanted me to pick up some milk,


but I didn't have enough money.
 Even if the child is hungry, he will never eat oatmeal, but he will always
eat ice cream.
 The man was mean because he was lonely, but his attitude only made
his situation worse.
 The dog needed a new leash, and he couldn't go for a walk until he had
one.
 It is important to vote when the time comes, or you won't get a say in
new laws.

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