Compound-Complex Sentences

Compound-Complex Sentences

Make sure you take notes in your notebook.

Notes

• A compound-complex sentence consists of two (or more) independent clauses and one (or more) dependent clauses.

• EXAMPLE: We often go to the park, and if we have all afternoon, we might go to a movie.

• EXAMPLE: Because we were running late for the game, I grabbed a couple snacks for my bag, and Jenni grabbed our water bottles.

Independent Clause

This is a complete thought that can stand by itself. Ask yourself if it passes the "What?" test. If somebody randomly walked up to you and said it -- would it sound like a complete sentence? Would it make sense?

What? I went to the grocery store yesterday. (Yes, it makes sense.)

What? Because I went to the grocery store yesterday. (No, it doesn't make sense.)

Dependent Clause

Dependent clauses can't stand on their own and still make sense. They are dependent on other words and other ideas to make them work.

Sometimes, dependent clauses are going to use subordinating conjunctions (AAAWWUBBIS).

Nerd Stuff

• Clauses still have a subject and a predicate.

• Independent: 7th graders are amazing humans. (This is a simple sentence.)

• Dependent: After 7th graders are amazing humans (This doesn't pass our What? test).

• And Juan. This isn't even a clause. It doesn't have a verb, so it can't be a clause.

• Ran so fast (Also not a clause. There's no subject -- no noun or noun phrase).

Need More Review?

Check out this video by Khan Academy that gives more examples and explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnmm57B0JgQ

Multiple Choice

I enjoy playing basketball, but I also like to play golf when I have spare time.

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

That was such a good game!

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

Because they have leaves year-round, tropical rain forest trees are evergreen trees.  

• simple
• compound
• complex
• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

David wanted a camera, and he was determined to buy one when he had the money.  

• simple
• compound
• complex
• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

I had to go to get my prize because I heard my name called on morning announcements.

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

The teacher and the principal met in the hall near the library.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

The Wildcats finally won the trophy, so they were very excited.

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

Many brave soldiers fought in the war, and they received medals.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

Although the sea turtle was tired, she walked to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

We have to go to bed when the clock chimes 10:00.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

I really wanted to do well on the quiz because I wanted an A in the class, and I got a B last quarter.

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex

Multiple Choice

Jennifer liked William's friend, and she also liked his cousin.

• compound
• complex
  complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

Because there was a snow day, the basketball game was rescheduled for Friday.

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex

Multiple Select

Find all the independent clauses.

• The pink polka-dotted giraffe was my favorite stuffed animal.

• A hippo was splashing water all over the people watching him.

• the purple grape

• sitting on my chair

Multiple Select

Find all the clauses

• because I injured my foot

• since school was over

• the angry leopard

• swinging in the tree

Multiple Select

Find all the dependent clauses.

• The orange creamsicle was melting in the sun.

• My favorite type of pizza is pepperoni,

• because the sun was hidden

• since we won our first baseball game

Directions

• Pick up a Sentence Structures practice sheet.

• Complete it.

• Check with me for access to a key when you're done.