Punctuation in Compound Complex Sentences
Before studying punctuation in compound complex sentences, it is better to study some terminologies like a clause, dependent clause, independent clause, sentence, and sentence.
Clause
A group of words that has a subject and verb is called a clause.
- John visits his uncle weekly.
Independent Clause
An independent clause gives a complete sense and can stand alone.
- We are going to start the function.
Dependent Clause
A dependent clause has its subject and verb but cannot stand alone. It needs an independent clause to give a sense.
- If they meet me, I will tell them.
Sentence
A sentence has at least one independent clause.
- Ali writes the best of all.
- They call earlier when they come.
- He tried, but I did not respond.
When you reach the station, I will come to pick you up, or I will make someone pick you up.
Compound Complex Sentence
A compound complex sentence is a combination of at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
- If she wants to study abroad, I will borrow for her expenses, or I will sell my car.
Semicolon in Compound Complex Sentences
One use of a semicolon is to join two independent clauses. In compound complex sentences, we have at least two independent clauses. To join independent clauses in a compound complex sentence, you can use a semicolon.
- If she wants to study abroad, I will borrow for her expenses; I will sell my car.
- If you want to buy a car, the red one is expensive; however, the black one is more expensive.
Colon in Compound Complex Sentences
One of the uses of a colon is between independent clauses. You can use a colon between two independent clauses when the second clause illustrates or explains the first one.
- When I was abroad, they did well: they started a new business.
- She achieved the goal: she got a promotion although it was difficult to reach there.
Comma in Compound Complex Sentences
A Comma before a Coordinating Conjunction
We know that we use a coordinating conjunction between two independent clauses. We use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.
- While I was doing my homework, my sister was reading her book, and my mother was cooking the meal.
After a Dependent Clause
A dependent clause in a compound complex sentence is followed by a comma when it comes before an independent clause.
- When our father came from his office, we had eaten the meal, and we had also completed our homework.
Parentheses in Compound Complex Sentences
You can use parentheses to offset commas, or you can use parentheses to enclose additional information. The additional information can be a clause.
- John looked sick (he had a runny nose), so I took him to the hospital.
Em Dashes in Compound Complex Sentences
You can use em dashes to replace a colon or semicolon. They can also replace parentheses.
- If you give me the responsibility, I will arrange the marriage ceremony well—everything will go well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which punctuation marks are used in compound complex sentences?
In compound complex sentences, we use commas, colons, semicolons, parentheses, and em dashes when we join clauses. Except for the terminal punctuations, these three punctuation marks are used.
How do you punctuate compound-complex sentences?
We use commas before coordinating conjunctions to join independent clauses. We can also use a colon and semicolon to join independent clauses. To join a dependent and an independent clause, we use a comma after the dependent clause. You can use parentheses to enclose additional information. You can use em dashes to replace a colon, semicolon, or parentheses.
How should I fix punctuation in compound complex sentences?
You can use a colon or semicolon to join independent clauses. You can use a comma before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses. You can use a comma to join a dependent and an independent clause when the dependent clause comes first. Parentheses and em dashes are also used in compound complex sentences.
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