Complex vs Compound-Complex Sentences

​Complex vs Compound-Complex Sentences

By Evan Ng

Complex Sentences

​Reminder:

includes an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses

​

​A Complex Sentence:

Multiple Select

Check all of the words that are subordinating conjunctions.

• after

• and

• when

• until

• but

Multiple Choice

Which complex sentence is correct?

• Before I left for school I ate breakfast.

• Before I left for school, I ate breakfast

• I ate breakfast, before I left for school.

Multiple Choice

After we saw the movie, we had dinner at my house.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

I went to school after brushing my teeth.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Open Ended

Write a complex sentence that starts with a subordinate conjunction. (AWUBIS)

Compound-Complex Sentences

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.

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

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

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

Which one is the compound-complex sentence? Hint - a compound-complex sentence MUST contain at least THREE clauses!

• The dog barked loudly, and the cat ran away

• The cat ran away when the doorbell rang

• The dog barked loudly, and the cat ran away when the doorbell rang.

• The dog barked loudly when the doorbell rang

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?

Hint - a compound-complex sentence MUST contain at least THREE clauses!

• The waiters served it to the customers.

• The chef prepared the meal.

• The chef prepared the meal, and the waiters served it to the customers, who were all very satisfied with their food.

• The customers were all very satisfied with their food.

Open Ended

Write a compound-complex sentence. (FANBOYS + AWUBIS)

Open Ended

Write a compound-complex sentence. (FANBOYS + AWUBIS)