What are Compound-complex Sentences?
A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clause. This sentence type combines the qualities of a compound sentence with the qualities of a complex sentence. The clauses in a compound-complex sentence do not need to appear in a specific order.
Because this sentence type is compound, it requires either a semicolon or a comma with a coordinating conjunction.
- Example: Claire loves donuts; because it is her birthday, she ate half a dozen.
- Example: Claire loves donuts, and because it is her birthday, she ate half a dozen.
Because this sentence type is complex, it requires a subordinating conjunction and possibly a comma.
- Example: Claire loves donuts; she ate half a dozen because it is her birthday.
- Example: Claire loves donuts; because it is her birthday, she ate half a dozen.
