A compound-complex sentence is a sentence that combines the features of both compound and complex sentences. To break it down:
- Compound sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses.
- Complex sentence: Contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Compound-complex sentence: Therefore, it contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Here's a clearer look:
- Independent clauses: These can stand alone as complete sentences.
- Dependent clauses: These cannot stand alone and rely on an independent clause to make sense.
Key characteristics:
- It has multiple independent clauses, usually joined by coordinating conjunctions (like "and," "but," "or," "so") or semicolons.
- It also has one or more dependent clauses, often introduced by subordinating conjunctions (like "because," "although," "when," "if") or relative pronouns (like "who," "which," "that").
Here's an example:
- "Although it was raining, I went for a walk, and I took my dog with me."
In this sentence:
- "Although it was raining" is the dependent clause.
- "I went for a walk" and "I took my dog with me" are the two independent clauses, joined by "and."
Essentially, a compound-complex sentence allows for more intricate and detailed expression, enabling writers to connect multiple ideas and provide context within a single sentence.