Compound-Complex Sentences: Rules, Examples, and Practice
Once students understand compound sentences and complex sentences, it’s time to level up. Enter the compound-complex sentence — the multitasker of the grammar world.
A compound-complex sentence combines coordination and subordination, which sounds intimidating but is actually very logical. In this lesson, I walk students through the structure step by step, practice together, and then give them a full worksheet to try it on their own.
What Is a Compound-Complex Sentence?
A compound-complex sentence contains all three of the following:
• Two or more independent clauses
• At least one dependent clause
• A coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation joining the independent clauses
In short:
Compound + Complex = Compound-Complex
Rules for Compound-Complex Sentences (Point Form Notes)
• A compound-complex sentence has at least three clauses
• It must include two independent clauses
• It must include one or more dependent clauses
• Independent clauses can be joined by:
FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
a semicolon
• Dependent clauses begin with subordinating words such as:because, although, when, while, if, since, after
Example Structure
Independent clause + conjunction + independent clause + dependent clause
Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences
• Although it was raining, I went for a walk, and I listened to music.
• She finished her homework, but she stayed up late because she was tired.
• When the bell rang, the students packed up, and the teacher smiled.
Practice Together (Guided Practice)
Identify the Clauses
Read each sentence and identify:
- The independent clauses
- The dependent clause
Although the movie was long, I enjoyed it, and I watched it twice.
When the storm ended, we went outside, but the ground was still wet.
She studied all night, and she passed the test because she was prepared.
Practice Together – Answers
• Independent: I enjoyed it / I watched it twice
• Dependent: Although the movie was long
• Independent: we went outside / the ground was still wet
• Dependent: When the storm ended
• Independent: She studied all night / she passed the test
• Dependent: because she was prepared
Practice Alone
Conclusion
Compound-complex sentences look complicated at first, but once students understand that they’re simply two complete ideas plus one extra detail, everything clicks. This lesson works especially well after compound and complex sentences have been taught separately — it reinforces both concepts while pushing students toward more mature, flexible writing.
