Compound Complex Sentence Worksheets

Understanding Compound Complex Sentences

Compound complex sentences are a type of sentence that contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. These sentences are considered compound because they contain two or more independent clauses, and complex because they contain one or more dependent clauses.

What is an Independent Clause?

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate. It expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. For example:

• I went to the store.
• She ate breakfast.

What is a Dependent Clause?

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, but it does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be combined with an independent clause to make sense. For example:

• Because I forgot my lunch.
• When I got home.

Identifying Compound Complex Sentences

To identify a compound complex sentence, look for the following characteristics:

• Two or more independent clauses
• One or more dependent clauses
• The dependent clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction (such as because, although, if, unless, until, while, etc.)

Examples of compound complex sentences:

• I went to the store because I needed milk, and I also bought some eggs.
• She ate breakfast when she got home, but she was still hungry after lunch.

Building Compound Complex Sentences

To build a compound complex sentence, follow these steps:

1. Start with two independent clauses: Begin by writing two separate independent clauses. For example:
   • I went to the store.
   • I bought some milk.
2. Add a dependent clause: Add a dependent clause to one of the independent clauses. For example:
   • I went to the store because I needed milk.
3. Combine the clauses: Combine the two independent clauses using a conjunction (such as and, but, or). For example:
   • I went to the store because I needed milk, and I also bought some eggs.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to introduce dependent clauses. Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:

• Because
• Although
• If
• Unless
• Until
• While

Examples of using subordinating conjunctions:

• I went to the store because I needed milk.
• I will go to the party if you invite me.
• I will stay home unless you want me to come.

Worksheets for Compound Complex Sentences

Here are some worksheets to help you practice identifying and building compound complex sentences:

Worksheet 1: Identifying Compound Complex Sentences

Read the following sentences and identify whether they are compound complex or not:

Worksheet 2: Building Compound Complex Sentences

Combine the following independent clauses to create compound complex sentences:

💡 Note: Remember to use subordinating conjunctions to introduce dependent clauses.

Worksheet 3: Writing Compound Complex Sentences

Write five compound complex sentences using the following prompts:

• I went to the beach…
• She ate a sandwich…
• I will study for the exam…
• They went to the movies…
• I will buy a car…

Conclusion

Compound complex sentences are a type of sentence that contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. By identifying and building compound complex sentences, you can improve your writing and communication skills. Remember to use subordinating conjunctions to introduce dependent clauses and combine independent clauses using conjunctions.

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