Unit 54: Compound-Complex Sentences

Exercise 1: Identifying Independent Clauses

Underline the two independent clauses in each compound-complex sentence below.

1. Giovanna joined the marching band, but Selma, who was more athletic, joined the basketball team.
2. Giovanna thought that Selma was making a mistake, but Selma, who is usually indecisive, was sure of her decision.
3. The girls were sad not to be in the same classes, but they both looked forward to new experiences because they spent alltheir time together.
4. Since the school year started, the girlsbarely saw each other, and they missed their close friendship.
5. They got together on weekends, and they talked about everything that came to mind.
6. Giovanna and Selma supported each other, but they didn�t agree about all things, like which extra-curricular activity to join.
7. Even though the girls didn�t see each other often, theyremained friends and they introduced one another to new people.
8. Giovanna, who had joined the drum section, played the cadence at Selma�s basketball games, and the crowd loved it.

Exercise 2: Identifying Dependent Clauses

Circle the dependent clause in each sentence.

1. Since they had so much fun at the party, Shan and Jason stayed late, but they were tired in the morning.
2. After the dance began, we found our friends in the other room, and we invited them to stay with us.
3. The friends, who often play in the yard, are outside, but they will soon come into the house.
4. When we go to the library, I will read for an hour, and you can relax.
5. Although I love strawberries and oranges, my brother will not eat fruit, and he loves cake.
6. Unless they read several books, Sherry andAlia may not have enough information for research, and they will not be able towrite their papers.
7. Mr. Bert sits in the garden that is located in his yard.
8. If he neglects the shrubs, they become bushy and look messy.

Exercise 3: True or False

Read the statements about sentence structure. Write T for True or F for False.

1. A compound-complex sentence must have at least three independent clauses. _____
2. A dependent clause canstand alone as a sentence. _____
3. A compound-complex sentence joins two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. _____
4. You never need a comma in a compound-complex sentence. _____
5. “Because our math class is challenging” is an exampleof an independent clause. _____
6. Independent clauses in a compound-complex sentence are often joined by a coordinating conjunction like ‘and’ or ‘but’. _____
7. A simple sentence contains one independent clause and one dependent clause. _____
8. “Who was more athletic” is an example of a dependent clause. _____

Exercise 4: Sentence Components

Match the sentence part to its definition.

1. Independent Clause
2. Dependent Clause
3. Compound Sentence
4. Complex Sentence
5. Compound-Complex Sentence
6. Subordinating Conjunction
7. Coordinating Conjunction
8. Relative Pronoun

A. Joins two independent clauses (e.g., and, but).
B. A word like ‘who’ or ‘which’ that starts a dependent clause.
C. Expresses a complete thought.
D. Has oneindependent and at least one dependent clause.
E. Does not express a complete thought.
F. Contains two independent clauses and at least onedependent clause.
G. Contains two or more independent clauses.
H. A word like ‘because’ or ‘since’ that starts a dependent clause.

Exercise 5: Sentence Assembly

Combinethe ideas to form a compound-complex sentence.

1. (The sun rose) + (The birds began to sing) + (When the morning came)
2. (I wanted to go to the park) + (It was raining) + (Because the weather changed)
3. (She studied hard) + (She passed the test) + (Although she was tired)
4. (The dog barked) + (The mail carrierarrived) + (Who walks quickly)
5. (We ate dinner) + (We watched a movie) + (After we finished cooking)
6. (Tom plays soccer) + (He is the captain) + (Because he is skilled)
7. (The car stopped) + (The driver got out) + (When the light turned red)
8. (I like apples) + (My sister prefers bananas) + (While I eat fruit daily)

Exercise 6:Fill in the Blanks

Complete the compound-complex sentences with appropriate conjunctions or relative pronouns.

1. ________ the movie ended, we went home, ________ we were all very tired.
2. My friend, ________ lives in New York, visited me, ________ we went to the museum.
3. I missed the bus, ________ I was late for school, ________ I woke up on time.
4. The team wonthe game, ________ they practiced hard ________ the season started.
5. ________ you finish your homework, you can watch TV, ________ you must clean your room first.
6. The cake ________ my mom baked was delicious, ________ everyone asked for seconds.
7. He ran fast, ________ he didn’t win the race ________ he tripped near the finish line.
8. The book ________ I borrowed is interesting, ________ Ihaven’t finished it yet.