Compound complex sentence

A compound complex sentence involves two independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

The following table shows us how a compound complex sentence looks like:

                           Sentence type
                                     example
Compound Complex sentence
While she was reading a book, Laura had difficulty to understand the meaning of some words, so she used her dictionary.

  • What do we mean by the term compound complex sentence?

As we notice here, we have two different compound expressions, compound sentence and complex sentence. To recognize the meaning of compound complex sentence, it is necessary to go through the last two expressions.

First, we name a sentence as “compound sentence” if there are basically two independent clauses joined by one of a suitable coordinating conjunction, (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so). That is:

Compound sentence = independent clause A + coordinating conjunction + independent clause B.

 Example:

a . Kevin forgot to visit his grandmother, so he called her.

Second, we consider a sentence as “complex sentence” if there is basically one independent clause joined by at least one dependent clause. The conjunctions used to combine independent and dependent clauses are called subordinating conjunctions, (because, after, though, when, while, etc). That is:

Complex sentence = independent clause + at least one dependent clause. (note: dependent clause includes subordinating conjunction + independent clause).

Example:

b . He called her when he remembered. Or, when he remembered, he called her.

As we notice in the example a & b that a compound sentence needs basically two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction whereas a complex sentence needs only one independent clause joined by at least one dependent clause.
So, the combination between the example number one “Kevin forgot to visit his grandmother, so he called her.”, and the example number two “He called her when he remembered.” Produce what we called compound complex sentence. Thus, the compound complex sentence looks like:

  • Step1: Kevin forgot to visit his grandmother, so he called her + He called her when he remembered. (combination)
  • Step2: Kevin forgot to visit his grandmother, so he called her when he remembered. (the final form of compound complex sentence)

As result, we conclude that a compound complex sentence is just a combination between compound sentence and complex sentence.

Here are some examples of how we get a compound complex sentence:

  • Compound sentence: She forgot her friend’s birthday, so she sent her a card.
  • Complex sentence: She sent her a card when she finally remembered.
  • Compound complex sentence: She forgot her friend’s birthday, so she sent her a card when she finally remembered.
  • Compound sentence: John and Sara were selected as representatives of mathematic class, for they were excellent.
  • Complex sentence: After teacher chose groups, john and Sara were selected as representatives of mathematic class.
  • Compound complex sentence: After teacher chose groups, john and Sara were selected as representatives of mathematic class, for they were excellent.