Punctuation in Compound Complex Sentences: Practice Exercises

Punctuation in Compound-Complex Sentence: A compound-complex sentence is formed when a compound and a complex sentence are fused. After combining these two, we form a new category of sentences. These are made up of at least two independent clauses and dependent clauses. Today we will learn how you can do punctuation in compound and complex sentences through the help of examples and exercises henceforth.  

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What are Compound Sentences?

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses together, usually with the help of a coordinating conjunction such as and/or but. It works best when you want to combine two or more independent but connected sentences into a single cohesive sentence. Take a look at these examples to get a better understanding.

• Although she was tired, she decided to go for a run in the park.
• After the rain stopped, the sun emerged from behind the clouds.

What are Complex Sentences?

A complicated sentence consists of a main and subordinate clause and a subordinating conjunction that joins them. Interestingly, subordinating conjunctions are frequently used in academic writing and are a great way to show complex links between ideas, whereas a subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it is an incomplete sentence. 

Also Read: Coordinating And Subordinating Conjunctions

Punctuation in Compound and Complex Sentences 

Now that you are familiar with compound and complex sentences, we have compiled a set of examples for both types of sentences along with the required punctuation they will go with. 

Examples of Punctuation in Compound Sentences 

Here are some examples of compound sentences with punctuation:

Using a semicolon:

• “She loves to read; he prefers to watch movies.”

Using a comma and a coordinating conjunction (such as “and”, “but”, “or”, “so”, “for”, “nor”, “yet”):

• “He wanted to go to the beach, but she preferred to stay home.”

Using a comma and a conjunctive adverb (such as “however”, “therefore”, “moreover”, “nevertheless”):

• “She studied hard for the exam; however, she didn’t perform well.”

Using a comma when using a coordinating conjunction (such as “and”, “but”, “or”, “so”, “for”, “nor”, “yet”) to connect independent clauses:

• “The sky was clear, and the stars were shining brightly.”

Using a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb and a comma:

• “He didn’t win the race; nonetheless, he was proud of his effort.”

Also Read: 55+ Coordinating Conjunction Examples (‘F.A.N.BOYS’) in English Grammar

How to Utilize Commas with Compound and Complex Sentences?

To correctly use commas with compound and complex sentences, follow these steps:

1. Determine if the sentence is compound or complex. Only compound sentences require a comma.
   • Compound sentences consist of two independent clauses, each with a subject and a verb, capable of standing alone as sentences. For example:
     • “I went to the store.”
     • “I bought groceries.”
     • When combined with a coordinating conjunction like “and,” they form a compound sentence:
       • “I went to the store, and I bought groceries.”
2. If you find two independent clauses, place a comma before the coordinating conjunction that connects them (e.g., and, but, or).
3. If there is no second independent clause, as in:
   • “I went to the store and bought groceries,” the sentence is complex and does not require a comma.

Commas are used in compound sentences to separate independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions. Complex sentences, which lack two independent clauses, do not need commas.

Punctuation in Complex Sentences Examples

Here are some examples of complex sentences to give you a better understanding. 

1. Using a comma before a dependent clause:
   • “After she finished her homework, she went for a walk.”
2. Using a subordinating conjunction to connect the dependent clause:
   • “Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
3. Using a relative pronoun to introduce the dependent clause:
   • “The book that he lent me is really interesting.”
4. Using a comma after the dependent clause when it precedes the independent clause:
   • “Although she was tired, she continued working.”
5. Using a dependent marker word to introduce the dependent clause:
   • “Since you’re here, could you help me with this?”

Also Read: 50+ Subordinating Conjunctions Examples to Perfect Your English

Worksheet on Punctuation in Compound Complex Sentences

Exercise 1: Identify Independent and Dependent Clauses

In the following sentences, identify the dependent and independent clauses and decide on the appropriate punctuation.

1. The movie was too long, and I fell asleep halfway through, although I really wanted to like it.
2. Because we finished our work early, we decided to go for a walk in the park.
3. My friend offered to help me study, but I declined politely; I prefer to study on my own.
4. The baker was out of my favourite bread, so I settled for a croissant.
5. When the storm hit, the power went out, and we were left in the dark.

Check Your Answers!

1. The movie was too long, and I fell asleep halfway through, although I really wanted to like it. (comma, semicolon, comma)
2. Because we finished our work early, we decided to go for a walk in the park. (comma)
3. My friend offered to help me study, but I declined politely; I prefer to study on my own. (semicolon, semicolon)
4. The baker was out of my favourite bread, so I settled for a croissant. (comma)
5. When the storm hit, the power went out, and we were left in the dark. (comma, and

Exercise 2: Identify Clauses

Identify independent and dependent clauses in the following sentences.

1. The rain poured down and the wind howled.
2. She loves reading or she enjoys watching documentaries.
3. The traffic was heavy so we took a back road.
4. I finished my homework then I went to play outside.

Answers!

1. The rain poured down, and the wind howled.
2. She loves reading, and she enjoys watching documentaries. 
3. The traffic was heavy, so we took a back road.
4. I finished my homework, then I went to play outside.

Related Reads on Punctuation

Period Punctuation Mark (.)	What is a Colon Symbol (:)?
Question Mark Punctuation (?)	Colon Punctuation Examples
What is the Use of Commas (,)	19+ Quotation Marks Examples
How to Use Apostrophes?	21+ Apostrophe Examples

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