Complex-compound sentences step by step.

 Absolutely! Let's break down complex-compound sentences step by step.

Recap: Building Blocks

• Independent Clause: A complete sentence that can stand alone. (Subject + Verb + Complete Thought)
  • Example: "The dog barked."
• Dependent Clause: A sentence fragment that cannot stand alone. It relies on an independent clause to make sense. (Often starts with a subordinating conjunction.)
  • Example: "Because it was raining..."
• Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): Words that connect two independent clauses (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Words that introduce dependent clauses (because, although, while, if, when, since, until, that, which, who, etc.).

What is a Complex-Compound Sentence?

A complex-compound sentence is a sentence that combines the elements of both complex and compound sentences. In other words, it has:

1. Two or more independent clauses.
2. At least one dependent clause.

How to Build a Complex-Compound Sentence

1. Start with a Dependent Clause:

   • This clause provides context or sets the stage for the rest of the sentence.
   • Example: "Even though the sun was shining,"

2. Add an Independent Clause:

   • This clause expresses the main idea related to the dependent clause.
   • Example: "Even though the sun was shining, the air was cold,"

3. Use a Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS) or a Semicolon:

   • This joins the first independent clause to the second.
   • Example: "Even though the sun was shining, the air was cold, but"

4. Add Another Independent Clause:

   • This clause completes the thought.
   • Example: "Even though the sun was shining, the air was cold, but the children still played outside."

Here are some more examples:

• "While he waited for the train, he read a book, and he finished three chapters."
• "Because she was late, she skipped breakfast, but she grabbed a coffee on the way to work."
• "If you want to succeed, you must work hard, and you must stay focused, even when things get difficult."
• "When the bell rang, the students gathered their books, and they left the classroom, because it was the end of the day."

Key Tips:

• Punctuation: Pay close attention to commas and semicolons. Use commas after dependent clauses that begin a sentence and before coordinating conjunctions that join independent clauses.
• Clarity: Ensure that the relationships between the clauses are clear and logical.
• Variety: Don't overuse complex-compound sentences. Use them strategically to add depth and complexity to your writing.

Practice Exercise:

Try creating your own complex-compound sentences using these prompts:

1. Start with: "Although..."
2. Start with: "When..."
3. Start with: "Because..."

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!

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By Jerry Ramonyai