Compound Complex Sentence: Sentence Structure

Let’s learn about compound-complex sentence structure.

We’ve been taught since pre-school that the basic parts of a sentence are its subject and verb. Taking that to heart, let’s delve into the different kinds of structure – the simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Why do you need to learn these? Because the plain existence of a subject and a verb in a sentence isn’t enough to fuel a message. Using varying kinds of sentences makes your writing – and speaking – more intelligent and compelling.

What is a Compound-Complex Sentence?

As the name suggests, a compound-complex sentence is a combination of the compound and the complex sentences. Like a compound sentence, a compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses, and just like a complex sentence, it also has one or more subordinate clauses. Remember: at least two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Related Reading: Complex Sentence – Sentence Structure

Here are examples of compound-complex sentences with the subordinate clauses in bold:

• Despite a hard year, we managed to achieve some personal goals, and we found faith in ourselves again. 
  Two independent clauses: we managed to achieve some personal goals; we found faith in ourselves again
  One subordinate clause: Despite a hard year

• He is an engineer who fell in love with marketing after graduation, so he’s now leading an advertising firm that claims a massive success.
  Two independent clauses: He is an engineer; he’s now leading an advertising firm
  Three subordinate clauses: who fell in love with marketing; after graduation; that claims a massive success

• We should fight for the displaced locals who own the land that the mining corporation claims, because this issue has been going on for decades, and the poor locals are always at the losing end.
  Two independent clauses: We should fight for the displaced locals; the poor locals are always at the losing end
  Three subordinate clauses: who own the land; that the mining corporation claims; because this issue has been going on for decades

Exercise:

Make a list of the independent and subordinate clauses in each compound-complex sentence below.

1. We told her to wait in the car while we bought food, but she was gone when we came back.
2. After a long time, I still don’t understand her reason for leaving, but I guess it’s for the best. 
3. Until we realize the gravity of climate change, we’ll continue with our detrimental acts as if the world is alright, for we often care only when it’s too late.
4. Some new clothes were sitting in the cabinet, and because they’re unused, Mom wants to sell them.
5.  Sam and Alex only knew each other for a year, but they decided to get married before Sam goes abroad, and that was the best decision they’ve ever made. 

Answers:

1) We told her to wait in the car while we buy food, but she was gone when we came back.
Independent clauses: We told her to wait in the car; she was gone
Subordinate clauses: while we buy food; when we came back

2) After a long time, I still don’t understand her reason for leaving, but I guess it’s for the best. 
Independent clauses: I still don’t understand her reason for leaving; I guess it’s for the best 
Subordinate clause: After a long time

3) Until we realize the gravity of climate change, we’ll continue with our detrimental acts as if the world is alright, for we often care only when it’s too late.
Independent clauses: we’ll continue with our detrimental acts; we often care
Subordinate clauses: Until we realize the gravity of climate change; as if the world is alright; only when it’s too late

4) Some new clothes were sitting in the cabinet, and because they’re unused, Mom wants to sell them.
Independent clauses: Some new clothes were sitting in the cabinet; Mom wants to sell them
Subordinate clause: and because they’re unused;

5) Sam and Alex only knew each other for a year, but they decided to get married before Sam goes abroad, and that was the best decision they’ve ever made. 
Independent clauses: Sam and Alex only knew each other for a year; they decided to get married; that was the best decision they’ve ever made
Subordinate clause: before Sam goes abroad

Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about compound-complex sentence structure.

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Compound Sentence: Sentence Structure

Simple Sentence: Sentence Structure