Compound Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence combines at least two independent (main) clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction with at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. This structure lets writers pack more detail and varied relationships between ideas into a single, controlled sentence, which examiners reward as a marker of sophisticated sentence variety at GCSE.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Identify two independent clauses that could each stand alone as a full sentence.
- Join the two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, such as and, but, so or yet, using a comma before it.
- Add at least one dependent (subordinate) clause, starting with a subordinating conjunction such as because or although, or a relative pronoun such as who or which.
- Attach the subordinate clause to whichever independent clause it relates to, at the start, middle or end of the sentence.
- Check the sentence still makes complete sense and that punctuation, such as commas around the subordinate clause where needed, is correct.
- Read the sentence back to ensure it does not become overloaded or unclear.
Worked example
Combine these ideas into one compound-complex sentence: 'The rain stopped. The match continued. The pitch was still muddy.'
- Choose two ideas to make independent clauses: 'the rain stopped' and 'the match continued'.
- Join them with a coordinating conjunction: 'The rain stopped, and the match continued.'
- Turn the third idea into a subordinate clause: 'although the pitch was still muddy'.
- Attach the subordinate clause to the sentence: 'The rain stopped, and the match continued, although the pitch was still muddy.'
- Final answer: 'The rain stopped, and the match continued, although the pitch was still muddy.' - two independent clauses joined by 'and' plus one subordinate clause introduced by 'although'.
Practice questions
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Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Write one compound-complex sentence about a storm, then identify the coordinating conjunction and the subordinate clause you used.
Explain why the sentence 'Although she was nervous, she walked onto the stage, and the audience fell silent' is a compound-complex sentence rather than simply a complex sentence.
Rewrite these three simple sentences as one compound-complex sentence, then explain your choice of conjunctions: 'The exam was difficult. Maria stayed calm. She had prepared thoroughly.'
Free printable worksheet
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