How to Identify Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences

The natural conclusion to all the types of sentences is that some may be combined to form complex sentences, and these again can become compound-complex sentences.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sentences
• Clauses

1. Simply by understanding what the words 'complex' and 'subordinate' mean will provide a big clue as to the role of these clauses in a sentence.

2. A 'complex sentence' has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. EG.(subordinate clause) If you study the development of music, (main clause) you will learn (subordinate clause) that music has been heavily influenced by society.

3. (Subordinate clause) When you listen to a song, (main clause) you should think about the culture (subordinate clause) that influenced it.

4. A 'compound-complex' sentence has two or more main clauses and at least one subordinate clause. Remember the subordinate clause can be within the main clause.

5. EG. (main clause) Billy Holiday, (subordinate clause) who lived from 1915 to 1959, (main clause) grew up in a poor family, and (main clause) she became a famous jazz singer.

Tips & Warnings

• A main clause can stand alone.
• A subordinate clause needs a main to make sense.