compound-complex sentence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, technical writing
Quick answer
What does “compound-complex sentence” mean?
A sentence containing at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sentence containing at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
A sophisticated sentence structure that combines coordination (multiple independent clauses) with subordination (one or more dependent clauses), allowing for the expression of complex relationships between ideas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage; term is identical in both grammatical traditions.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes advanced writing skill and syntactic maturity.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US academic writing guides and standardized test preparation materials.
Grammar
How to Use “compound-complex sentence” in a Sentence
Sentence contains [INDEPENDENT CLAUSE] and [INDEPENDENT CLAUSE], but [DEPENDENT CLAUSE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “compound-complex sentence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tutor advised the student to compound-complex several ideas into a single, flowing statement.
American English
- Good writers often compound-complex their arguments to show relationships between evidence and claims.
adverb
British English
- He wrote compound-complexly, weaving subordinate thoughts between his main points.
American English
- The essay was compound-complexly organized, with dependencies carefully nested.
adjective
British English
- Her compound-complex sentence structure demonstrated a masterful control of syntax.
American English
- The paragraph was filled with compound-complex constructions that made the argument dense.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in formal reports or policy documents where complex reasoning needs to be expressed precisely.
Academic
Common in linguistics, composition studies, and advanced student writing across disciplines.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in grammar textbooks, style guides, and editing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “compound-complex sentence”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “compound-complex sentence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “compound-complex sentence”
- Confusing it with a simple complex sentence.
- Forgetting the requirement for at least two independent clauses.
- Using the term to describe any long sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A compound-complex sentence is grammatically correct and properly punctuated. A run-on sentence is an error where clauses are incorrectly joined without proper conjunctions or punctuation.
Yes. The order of clauses does not matter. The defining feature is the presence of at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause, in any sequence.
They allow you to express nuanced relationships between multiple ideas, showing cause, contrast, condition, or time within a single, coherent unit, which improves the flow and sophistication of academic or formal writing.
Ensure each clause has a clear logical connection to the others, use appropriate subordinating and coordinating conjunctions, and avoid nesting too many dependent clauses inside one another. Read the sentence aloud to check for clarity.
A sentence containing at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Compound-complex sentence is usually formal, academic, technical writing in register.
Compound-complex sentence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmpaʊnd ˈkɒmplɛks ˈsɛntəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmpaʊnd kəmˈplɛks ˈsɛntəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CCS': Compound (two independent) + Complex (one dependent) = Sentence.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARCHITECTURAL BLUEPRINT (a sentence built with multiple main structures and supporting elements).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?