Compound-complex sentences

Compund sentences

A compound sentence is a type of sentence that consists of two or more independent clauses (also known as main clauses) that are connected by a conjunction (such as "and," "but," "or," "so"), also abbreviated to FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Each independent clause in a compound sentence can stand alone as a complete sentence. The purpose of a compound sentence is to show a relationship between the ideas presented in each independent clause or by adding information.

Example of a compound sentence:

• She likes to swim, and he enjoys playing tennis.

In this sentence, "She likes to swim" and "he enjoys playing tennis" are both independent clauses, and they are connected by the conjunction (FANBOYS) "and."

Complex sentences

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. An independent clause is a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause is not a complete thought and relies on the independent clause for its meaning.

The dependent clause usually begins (but not always) subordinating conjunction. Common examples of subordinating conjunctions are after, although, as, because, before, despite, even, if, in case, since, though, unless, when, where, whereas, while. Complex sentences are used to express relationships between ideas, often indicating cause and effect or providing additional information. 

Example of a complex sentence:

• Although it was raining, she decided to go for a walk.

In this sentence, "she decided to go for a walk" is the independent clause, and "Although it was raining" is the dependent clause, beginning with the subordinating conjunction "although".

Compund-complex sentences

A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences. It includes two or more independent clauses (like in a compound sentence) and at least one dependent clause (like in a complex sentence). 

Example of a compound-complex sentence:

• She went to the store because she needed groceries, and he stayed home to finish his work.

In this sentence, "She went to the store" and "he stayed home to finish his work" are the independent clauses, and "because she needed groceries" is the dependent clause.

In summary:

• Compound sentence: Consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a FANBOYS conjunction.

• Complex sentence: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, indicating a relationship between ideas using subordinating conjunctions.

• Compound-complex sentence: Combines elements of both compound and complex sentences, having two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.