Compound-Complex Sentences

To be a compound-complex sentence, what three things does a sentence absolutely need?

• Two dependent clauses and one independent clause

• At least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause

• One independent clause and one compound verb

• At least two subjects and two predicates

Answer explanation

A compound-complex sentence is a combination of a compound sentence (two or more independent clauses) and a complex sentence (at least one dependent clause).

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Complete the sentence with the option that correctly uses a coordinating conjunction: After the rain stopped, we went outside, _____ the ground was still too wet to play.

• so

• because

• and

• but

Answer explanation

The word 'but' is the correct coordinating conjunction to show contrast. A comma is needed before it when joining two independent clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.5.1A

Which sentence below is a compound-complex sentence?

• My friend who has the new video game is coming over later.

• We can go to the movies, or we can stay home and watch Netflix.

• Because my alarm didn't go off, I was late for school, and I missed my first class.

• Running through the park on a sunny day is my favorite activity.

Answer explanation

This sentence has one dependent clause ('Because my alarm didn't go off') and two independent clauses ('I was late for school' and 'I missed my first class').

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

True or False: You should put a comma after an introductory dependent clause, like in the sentence: 'When the movie ends, let's go get ice cream, and I'll pay.'

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A dependent clause that comes before the main independent clause is called an introductory clause and must be followed by a comma.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Identify the sentence that is punctuated correctly.

• Although I like cats I'm allergic to them so I can't have one.

• Although I like cats, I'm allergic to them so, I can't have one.

• Although I like cats, I'm allergic to them, so I can't have one.

• Although I like cats I'm allergic to them, so I can't have one.

Answer explanation

A comma is needed after the introductory dependent clause ('Although I like cats') and another comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction 'so' which joins two independent clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Fill in the blank: _____ the team practiced hard, they lost the game, but they were still proud of their effort.

• Since

• Although

• Therefore

• And

Answer explanation

The subordinating conjunction 'Although' correctly introduces the dependent clause and shows a contrast with the independent clause that follows.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.5.1A

True or False: The commas are used correctly in this sentence: My bike which is brand new has a flat tire, so I can't ride it today.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The nonessential clause 'which is brand new' needs commas on both sides to set it off. The correct version is: 'My bike, which is brand new, has a flat tire...'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Complete the sentence to form a proper compound-complex sentence: Since we have a three-day weekend, _____, and we can sleep in on Monday.

• we should plan a fun trip

• planning a fun trip

• because we should plan a fun trip

• a fun trip was planned

Answer explanation

This option provides a complete independent clause that makes sense in context, correctly connecting the dependent clause and the second independent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Fill in the blank to correctly join the two independent clauses: While my mom was at the store, I cleaned my room, _____ I even had time to start my homework.

• but

• or

• and

• because

Answer explanation

The coordinating conjunction 'and' correctly joins the two independent clauses to show addition. A comma is required before 'and' in this structure.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.5.1A

Choose the best way to combine these three ideas into a single compound-complex sentence: 1. The power went out. 2. I was reading a book. 3. I had to find a flashlight.

• The power went out, and I was reading a book, and I had to find a flashlight.

• I was reading a book, but the power went out, so I had to find a flashlight.

• When the power went out, I was reading a book, so I had to find a flashlight.

• I was reading a book and the power went out so I had to find a flashlight.

Answer explanation

This option correctly uses 'When' to create a dependent clause showing time, and 'so' to connect the independent clauses showing cause-and-effect, with all commas placed correctly.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B