Sentences are at the core of any language. We all speak them, but we might not know exactly how to label them.
One of the most complex (if you will) sentence structures is the compound complex sentence. Understanding what a compound complex sentence looks like will allow you to have a firmer command of your writing.
So, what is compound complex sentence structure?
What is Compound Complex Sentence Structure
Compound Complex Sentence Definition
As its title might suggest, the compound-complex sentence structure incorporates elements of a compound sentence and a complex sentence. But what exactly is the compound complex sentence definition?
COMPOUND COMPLEX SENTENCE DEFINITION
What is Compound Complex Sentence Structure?
A compound-complex sentence is a sentence containing a one or more dependent clause and two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction or semicolon.
An independent clause comprises a subject and verb and is a complete thought. A dependent clause is an incomplete thought that would not be a full sentence on its own (it’s also referred to as a subordinate clause).
To really understand the mechanics of a compound/complex sentence structure, one has to understand independent clauses and dependent clauses. This video does a great job defining and differentiating the two:
What is compound complex sentence structure?
A compound-complex sentence is an amalgamation of these clauses. Know you know how to write a compound complex sentence, but let’s take a closer look through some compound complex sentence examples.
Compound Complex Sentence Examples
Compound Complex Sentence Examples
It’s easiest to understand “What is compound complex sentence structure?” once you’ve seen some examples. Compound-complex sentence structures often result in longer and more involved sentences. Here’s a few:
- Even though Barry was in love with her, he was unable to express himself; it was no surprise she left him.
- I was grounded because I was framed for the gerbil’s death, and there was nothing I could do but attempt to clear my name.
- When Jill came to town, we all celebrated, for we knew she would be the life of the party.
- I was shocked to hear the cactus yelling expletives at me, since it was an inanimate object, but I found myself yelling back at it, engaged in a lively debate.
It’s helpful to dissect these sentences into independent clauses and dependent clauses in order to understand why they’re compound-complex.
Even though Barry was in love with her, he was unable to express himself; it was no surprise she left him.
I was grounded because I was framed for the gerbil’s death, and there was nothing I could do but attempt to clear my name.
When Jill came to town, we all celebrated, for we knew she would be the life of the party.
I was shocked to hear the cactus yelling expletives at me, since it was an inanimate object, but I found myself yelling back at it, engaged in a lively debate.
Note how the independent clauses could be their own sentences, while the dependent clauses could not. As you can see, there’s no simple compound complex sentence formula.
What is compound complex sentence structure?
Compound Complex Sentences Examples in Art
There are compound complex sentence examples in books, film, music, and so on. Here is a compound complex sentence examples list:
“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.” – J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
“We sit here stranded, though we're all doing our best to deny it, and Louise holds a handful of rain, tempting you to defy it.” - Bob Dylan, “Visions of Johanna”
“When I went to the hospital her nose was broken, her jaw was shattered and held together by wire, and she could not even weep because of the pain.” – The Godfather
“More than any other idea, it is helping to do away with the wrong and foolish; more than any other idea, it is building and sustaining new life.” – Emma Goldman, Anarchism
Up Next
What are Sentence Structures?
Now that you’ve answered the age-old question of “What is compound complex sentence structure?”, the other three will feel like a breeze. Check out our summary of the different types of sentence structures.
