Compound-complex Sentence

Sam An Teng


A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

For examples,

• You'd better ask your teacher if you don't understand the research questions, or you will misinterpret the objectives of the research.
• He is a capable manager who I have met; however, he doesn't get much support after he has been involved with collusion scandal.  

The ways independent clause and dependent clauses are joined together may form different patterns and require different punctuation. Look at some patterns below:
 
IC, FANBOYS-IC-DC [ Independent clause + Comma + Coordinative conjunction + Independent clause + Dependent clause ]
 
For examples,

• The product design is OK, and the price is acceptable for customers who have low and medium income.  
•  Mara tried her best to help him, but he was a hopeless boy who usually sees things in negative ways.

IC DC, FANBOYS IC  [ Independent clause + Dependent clause + Comma + Coordinative conjunction + Independent clause ]
 
For examples,

• We got a report which highlighted stronger competition in the market, so we decided to hold a management meeting as soon as possible.
• The meeting was successful because we decided to streamline few existing products, and our shareholders showed their confidence on next year's plan.
• I complemented him when he finished the project, and he seemed not so happy.

DC IC, FANBOYS IC  [ Dependent clause + comma + Independent clause + comma + FANBOYS + Independent clause ]
 
For examples,

• Because he was strict with the rules and compliance, he won support from the management, yet he he lost several close friends.
• When he decided to work for the company, he intended to be an excellent staff, so there is no doubt that he has been successful.