Complex vs. Compound-Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is...

• one dependent clause

• one independent clause

• one dependent clause and one independent clause

• two independent clauses and a dependent clause

A compound complex sentence is...

• one independent clause

• one dependent clause

• one dependent clause and one independent clause

• one dependent clause and two independent clauses

A dependent clause

• has a subject, verb, and a complete thought

• has a subject, verb, but no complete thought

• has a subject and a verb

• has a verb and a complete thought

An independent clause

• can stand on its own as a sentence

• cannot stand on its own as a sentence

• has a subject, verb, and no complete thoughts

• has a subject, verb, and expresses a complete thought

Ken did his chores as soon as he got home from school.

• complex

• compound-complex

Before you overreact, you should think about the situation more clearly.

• complex

• compound-complex

Jennifer wanted to quit marching band, but she knew her mom wouldn't let her unless she had a great reason for quitting.

• complex

• compound-complex

When Trevor asks a question, the students usually get quiet.

• complex

• compound-complex

Even though you haven't been playing long, I think that you are a great basketball player, and any team would be fortunate to have you.

• complex

• compound-complex

Mr. Snipes, whoever that is, stated that math was easy, and he clearly never had to take trigonometry.

• complex

• compound-complex