Name: __________________________________________________ Period ________

Compound-Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence consists of two or more main clauses and one or more
subordinate clauses. It may help you to think of a compound-complex sentence as a
compound sentence plus a subordinate clause. Actually, the compound-complex sentences join
two sentences, at least one of which has a subordinate clause. The main clauses are joined by
either a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Main Clause Subordinate Clause Main Clause

Gina Knew that she would have to wait, but she didn’t mind.

Main Clause Subordinate Clause Main Clause

Carl was surprised when he was chosen; he had never expected to win.

PART I
DIRECTIONS: Analyzing Compound-Complex Sentences. Underline each main clause once and
each subordinate clause twice.

Example:
After our team won, we decided to celebrate, so we led a parade through town.

1. When the committee met, witnesses testified about poor living conditions, and experts
suggested improvements.
2. Scientists have identified the agents that cause the disease, but they haven’t found a cure for
it.
3. The actor was nervous before he auditioned; he felt that he did well, though.
4. Vanessa’s sister is a computer programmer; she translates information into symbols that the
computer reads.
5. After the satellite crashed into the ocean, NASA sent a team to recover the wreckage; they
will end up using it to build a new satellite.
6. My friends and I have been planning a trip to Alaska for months, but my parents won’t let
me go unless I get my grades up.
7. I want some popcorn, so I’m going to go buy it now before the movie starts.
8. If you want to borrow my car, you have to pay for the gas, and I want ten extra bucks.
9. Whenever Joe watches a football game with his dad, they usually end up getting mad at
each other, but they always enjoy arguing with each other.
10. Dad decided his hunting knife was too dull, but it must have been pretty sharp because he
cut his finger trying to sharpen it.
PART II
DIRECTIONS: Now use the rules you’ve just practiced to combine the following clauses into
one full sentence (rewrite the new sentence using the correct punctuation and any coordinat):

11. as soon as Mary texts me back / we can go to the movie / we just need to pick up Mike
first

12. my friend decided to try out for the school musical / but Mr. Johnson didn’t give her the
part / because she can’t sing and dance at the same time

13. when my cousins first arrived / we got along great / but we were ready to kill each other
after we had been together for twenty minutes

14. after James tripped and fell down the stairs / his foot and ankle were swollen / and his
parents had to buy him crutches

15. as soon as the movie starts / you should stop talking / it’s rude to interrupt