Hanoi National University of Education

Faculty of English

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES
1. Definition
A compound-complex sentence is a combination of two or more independent
clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
Example: After I graduated from high school, I wanted to travel, but I had to
work in my family’s business.

- independent clause: I wanted to travel

- independent clause: but I had to work in my family’s business

- dependent clause: After I graduated from high school 

2. Form
 To create a compound-complex sentence, we form a compound sentence
and then add a dependent clause.
Example:
Windows directly control the flow of air through the home, so their location
and design need careful consideration when the initial plans are drawn up.
or:
Window directly control the flow of air through the home; therefore, their
location and design need careful consideration when the initial plans are drawn
up.
 The dependent clause can be added either at the beginning or at the end
of a compound-complex sentence.
Example: When I looked into the mirror, I saw an old man, and I was surprised.

PRACTICE
Task 1. Combine the following sentences to make compound complex
sentences.
1. I went dancing last night. I was mugged in the club’s parking lot. When I got
home, I had no money to pay the baby sitter.
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2. There are a number of books about the Vietnam War. Many are historical
accounts. Some are novels. One of the first books about Vietnam was a book of
poetry written by men who had been there.
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3. I want to graduate in April. I have one course left to take. But first I need to
finish two papers for my Business Policy course and a project for my Literature
of Nature course.
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Task 2. Choose ONE of the following topics, then write 12 sentences
including four different kinds of sentences.
 Learning a foreign language
 Your family
 Friendship
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