compound-complex sentence

(noun)

Multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.

Related Terms

Examples of compound-complex sentence in the following topics:

  • Using Varied Sentence Lengths and Styles

    • Here is an example of a compound-complex sentence: "I love my pet pterodactyl, but since he's been eating neighborhood cats, I will donate him to the city zoo."
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • Structural classifications for sentences include: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • The fifth sentence is compound.

  • Structure of a Sentence

    • Structural classifications for sentences include simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • The compound sentence makes the connection clear. 
    • The complex sentence sounds more like a lesson in its "if-then" format, and the compound-complex sentence packs all the information into one conclusive sentence.
    • Does the prose sound convoluted because I use too many compound-complex sentences?

  • Subject-Verb Agreement

    • In order for sentences to sound right, their verbs and subjects need to mesh well together.
    • Subject-verb agreement can become a little more complicated when the subject is very long and complex.
    • Compound sentences (two sentences joined by a clause) have a subject and verb in each clause.
    • Sometimes the subject of a sentence can come after its verb.
    • Compound subjects (two subjects joined by a conjunction) take plural verbs if they are joined by "and."

  • Simple and Compound Sentences

  • Components of a Sentence

    • In active-voice sentences, it is the noun or pronoun performing the action in the sentence.
    • There are more complex definitions of "predicate."
    • in a sentence.
    • Compound elements can include:
    • Compound predicate: He ran to the house and knocked on the door.

  • Making Subject and Verbs Agree

    • If a sentence has a compound subject, you should use a plural verb even if all the components of the subject are singular nouns.
    • Incorrect sentence: My dog and my cat likes to be petted.
    • Correct sentence: My dog and my cat like to be petted.
    • Note that this is the case specifically because of the word "or. " If the phrase was "the monkey's antics and the handler's chagrin," it would be a compound subject and take the plural verb "cause. "
    • Complex sentences are especially dangerous, particularly if the subject is close to another noun or if it is separated from the verb by other clauses.

  • Modular 12 Arithmetic

    • A prototypical example of a compound period composed of two sentences is Mozart's Piano Sonata in F major, K. 332, II., mm. 1–8.
    • The compound (or 16-bar) sentence expands both the presentation and continuation phrases of a regular sentence to a typical length of eight bars each.
    • A prototypical example of a compound sentence is Mozart's Trio for Piano, Clarinet, and Viola, K. 498, I., mm. 1–16.
    • Note that bar length is not the important issue when deciding whether a theme is a regular sentence or a compound sentence.
    • The key difference between the regular sentence and the compound sentence is that the regular sentence begins with two basic ideas and the compound sentence begins with two compound basic ideas.

  • Varying Your Sentence Structure and Vocabulary

    • Clauses: The easiest way to vary sentence length and structure is with clauses.
    • Length: Longer sentences are better suited for expressing complex thoughts.
    • Here's the rewritten version, with attention paid to sentence variation:
    • Of course, if all the sentences were compound like these, the paper would begin to sound either pretentious or exhausting. 
    • Vary the types of sentences you use to keep your paper interesting.

  • Thematic Modules

  • Concision

    • It is important to keep sentences concise; the longer and more complex a sentence gets, the harder it is for a reader to understand.
    • Varying sentence lengths and types of sentences can help to break up otherwise tedious prose blocks.
    • However, it is important to keep in mind that the longer and more complex a sentence gets, the more difficult it can be for a reader to interpret that sentence.
    • Let's break it up into shorter sentences and omit unnecessary words:
    • The single combined sentence may be longer than each of the two original sentences, but overall you are using fewer words and communicating your point more clearly.