Compound-Complex (CCX)Sentences

​What is a Compound-Complex Sentence?

A compound-complex sentence is comprised of at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Compound-Complex (CCX) Sentence

Examples

If the ozone layer collapses, the global community will suffer.

While I was cooking he was still playing games on the computer.

Although I miss him so much, I cannot go to him because I do not have money.

Although I worked hard, I got a very low grade from the exam and stayed in the classroom.

Complex (CX) Sentences

Examples:

• Because he was late again, he would be docked a day's pay.

• While I am a passionate basketball fan, I prefer football.

• Although she was considered smart, she failed all her exams.

• Whenever it rains, I like to wear my blue coat.

Complex Sentences

​What is a Complex Sentence?

​A complex sentence is an independent clause (a sentence that can stand on its own) with 1 or more dependent clauses added (dependent clauses can't stand on their own as a sentence).

A coordinating conjunction, also called a coordinate conjunction, is a conjunction that is used to connect words, phrases, clauses, and sentences together.

Coordinating conjunctions are very commonly used in all kinds of writing and speech. Here are just some of the parts of speech we can connect using coordinating conjunctions:

• Nouns: Eagles and falcons are birds.

• Verbs:  She didn’t know if she should stay or go.

• Adjectives: The pepper is spicy yet sweet.

• Adverbs: He snuck quickly and quietly.

• Prepositional phrases: You can get there by air or by sea.

• Noun phrases: Reading books and playing guitar are two of my hobbies.

• Clauses: My sister likes the winter, but I prefer the summer.

Subordinating Conjunctions...

​a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause

Complex sentence

Structure

[subordinating conjunction] + [dependent clause] + comma + [independent clause][independent clause] + [subordinating conjunction] + dependent clause]

Compound-Complex

Many different types of construction.

[subordinating conjunction] + [dependent clause] + [comma] +  [independent clause] + [coordinating conjunction] + [independent clause]