What is a Complex Sentence? How are Compound-Complex Sentences Used?

Learning about new sentences is fun. We often use different types of sentences in our daily conversations, without even realising it. This is one of the reasons why it is rewarding to discover that the sentences you have been using daily are the ones that you are studying. Similarly, you must have used complex sentences an infinite number of times without realising it. With this blog, you will understand, in the truest sense, what a complex sentence is.

Complex Sentence Definition:

You can define a complex sentence by the combination of one independent clause (a complete thought) and one or more dependent (or subordinate) clauses. The dependent clauses cannot stand alone as an independent sentence, as they do not form a complete or coherent thought.  These clauses are linked via subordinating conjunctions such as ‘because’, ‘although’, or ‘when.’ Even relative pronouns like ‘who’, ‘which’, or ‘that’ can be used for the same purpose.

Let us take an example of a complex sentence:

“Although it was raining heavily, the game continued because the teams wanted to finish the match.”

In this sentence, “although it was raining heavily” can be called a dependent clause, and it starts with a subordinating conjunction. “The game continued” is an independent clause; however, “because the teams wanted to finish the match” will be a dependent clause (as it also starts with a subordinating conjunction).

Punctuation Rules for Complex Sentences:

Use a comma after a dependent clause at the beginning:

If the dependent clause precedes the independent clause in a sentence, always use a comma after the dependent clause.

For example, “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”

Do not use a comma when the dependent clause comes after:

If the independent clause precedes the dependent clause in the sentence, then do not use a comma.

For example - “We went for a walk although it was raining.”

Use commas around Nonessential Clauses:

In case the dependent clause is nonessential (adds extra but not critical information), then use commas around it.

For example, “My brother, who lives in Canada, is coming to visit.”

No commas around Essential Clauses:

When the dependent clause is essential to the meaning of a sentence, then no commas are to be used.

For example, “The student who studies hardest will succeed.”

Use a comma before the coordinating conjunctions if they are followed by an independent clause:

 If a complex sentence uses a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or; to connect two independent clauses, then use a comma before the conjunction.

For example, “I was tired, but I finished my homework anyway.”

Avoid Comma Splicing:

Do not use a comma to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction. For example, Instead of writing “I was tired, I went to bed”, you should write “I was tired, so I went to bed.”

What are Compound Sentences:

Compound sentences are formed by merging two or more independent clauses, which are sentences that can stand alone and form a coherent thought. They are combined using coordinating conjunctions (like and, but, or) or a semicolon. Compound sentences allow the user to convey related ideas seamlessly in one sentence.

For example, “The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.”

What is a Compound Complex Sentence:

A compound-complex sentence combines the elements of both complex sentences and compound sentences. It is comprised of at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. To put it simply, it is a sentence that conveys multiple independent thoughts, with one of those thoughts being elaborated by a dependent clause.

For example, “Because the weather was nice, I went to the park, but my friend stayed home because she had to finish her homework.”

How to write compound complex sentences?

Writing a compound-complex sentence is easy. You just have to follow a simple structure.

Independent Clause + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause + Dependent Clause.

However, you can vary this combination as you like, just ensure that the sentence will always consist of at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. If you find yourself stuck with writing difficult sentences and need Assignment help Australia, then remember to reach out to us anytime.

Now, let us look at some compound complex sentence examples:

“Although she was tired, she finished her homework, and she went to bed early.”

(dependent+independent+independent)

“I went to the library because I had an exam, and I studied for three hours.”

(independent+dependent+independent)

“The team practiced hard,and they won the championship because they stayed focused.”

(independent+independent+dependent)

Remember to use these common subordinate conjunctions for dependent clauses:

Although, because, since, while, when, if, unless, even though, before, after.

Do not forget FANBOYS (coordinating conjunctions for connecting independent clauses):

F- For

A- And

N- Nor

B- But

O- Or

Y- Yet

S- So

How do I use Punctuation in Compound Complex Sentences:

Here are the key punctuation rules you need to follow while writing compound-complex sentences, so make sure to follow them closely:

Use a comma after the dependent clause that starts a sentence:

When the sentence begins with a dependent or subordinate clause, put a comma after it.

For example, “Even though it was raining, we went hiking, and we enjoyed the fresh air.”

Use comma before the coordinating conjunction that combines two independent clauses:

If a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) appears to join two independent clauses together, you must always put a comma before it.

For example, “I studied hard, and I passed the exam because I was well prepared.”

No comma before a dependent clause that follows an independent clause:

When the dependent clause succeeds the independent clause in a sentence, do not use a comma between the two.

For example, “She left early because she wasn’t feeling well, but I stayed until the end.”

Use commas to set off nonessential dependent clauses:

If the dependent clauses give extra yet nonessential information, put commas around them.

For example, “My brother, who lives in Sydney, is a doctor, and he travels often.”

Use semicolons when needed to avoid confusion:

When the independent clauses are long or already contain commas, use a semicolon instead of a comma before the conjunction.

For example, “Although she had a fever, she went to the doctor, and he prescribed antibiotics, rest, and fluids.”

Conclusion:

Complex and compound sentences might appear terrifying, but they are far easier to understand than one might think at first. English is an interesting language; the more you explore, the easier it becomes for you to learn.

We hope that this blog was able to clear your doubts regarding complex sentences, compound sentences, and complex-compound sentences. If you have any questions regarding English grammar, vocabulary or any other academic query, feel free to reach out to Do My Assignment, and we will be happy to help you!