Compound and Complex Sentences

Are you aware of the concept of compound and complex sentences? If not, then we are here to help you. In this blog, we will share some amazing points with you that can help you get a clear idea of what compound and complex sentences are.

Compound sentences

A compound sentence comprises a mixture of two or more sentences. The sentences included here are quite simple, which are made complex with the help of joining words. A compound sentence structure includes two or more independent clauses that are either joined by coordinating conjunctions or sometimes semicolons.

Example

My favorite subject is Mathematics. Harry’s favorite subject is Physics.

Ans. My favorite subject is Mathematics, and Harry’s favorite subject is Physics.

As you can see above, two simple sentences are joined together by a conjunction.

Joining Compound sentences with the help of Coordinating conjunctions

Before we move ahead with this technique, it is very important to first note what coordinating conjunctions are. By hearing its name, it might sound a bit complex, but in reality, it is quite simple as only seven words are used as coordinating conjunctions. These are one-syllable words, i.e., yet, so, but, nor, or and, for. Among these coordinating conjunctions, the most used ones are or, but, and.

While compound sentences with coordinating conjunctions, you have to keep one thing in mind. The sentence that you write must contain a comma right before the conjunction is placed because it helps point out correct punctuation.

Example

I went to the market and bought some fresh apples.

We have never visited Shimla, nor Goa.

Everyone in the house was busy, so Duke went to the movie alone.

Forming Compound sentences with a semicolon

You can very easily join two compound sentences by using a semicolon. Here, a semicolon can be used to add two independent clauses.

Example

Tom made the cake; Henry garnished it.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is one that includes one principal clause and one or more subordinating clauses. Here, the number of sentences indicates the number of finite verbs.

Example

We know where she has gone.

This is the place where we came last year.

The first sentence includes two finite verbs and two clauses. The same goes for the second sentence as well.

Linkers in Complex Sentences

There are some words that are used as linkers in complex sentences. These are before, as, as soon as, while, after, until, where, since, unless, wherever, so that, because, if, although, even though, whether.

You can include any of these words in your complex sentences.

Defining Clause

A clause is said to be a meaningful part of a sentence that has one finite verb. It can be divided into three parts-

• Independent or principal clause
• Dependent or subordinate clause
• Coordinating clause

Among the three types mentioned above, the first two types are most commonly used in sentences.

Independent or principal clause: It exists in a sentence independently and always tries to express the complete meaning.

Dependent or subordinating clause: A subordinating clause always begin with words like if, that, although, though, until, unless, as, because, before, after.

Example

Jacob, who is my friend, did this.

In the above sentence, ‘Jacob did this’ – is the principal clause. Whereas ‘Who is my friend’ is the subordinate clause.

I know that she is clever.

Here ‘I know’ is the principal clause. Whereas ‘she is clever’ is the subordinate clause.

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