Mastering Compound-Complex Sentences

Mastering Compound-Complex Sentences

Read the instructions for each section carefully and complete the tasks to the best of your ability. This worksheet will help you practice identifying, analyzing, and constructing compound-complex sentences.

Read the following passage carefully before answering the questions.

The old lighthouse keeper, who had lived on the isolated island for fifty years, knew every storm that swept across the treacherous coastline; he understood the ocean's moods intimately, and he meticulously recorded each shift in the weather patterns, because he believed his data would one day save lives. Although many people considered his vigil lonely, he found solace in the rhythmic crash of waves and the distant cry of gulls, which were his only constant companions. When fierce gales raged, he would climb to the top of the tower, and he would ensure the powerful beam cut through the darkness, illuminating the path for any ships that dared to approach; sometimes, he even played classical music on an ancient phonograph, for he believed the melodies calmed the agitated sea.

1. Which of the following best defines a compound-complex sentence?

Identify the independent and dependent clauses in the following sentences from the passage. Write 'IC' for Independent Clause and 'DC' for Dependent Clause in the blanks.

2. The old lighthouse keeper, who had lived on the isolated island for fifty years, knew every storm that swept across the treacherous coastline; he understood the ocean's moods intimately, and he meticulously recorded each shift in the weather patterns, because he believed his data would one day save lives.

a. The old lighthouse keeper knew every storm that swept across the treacherous coastline:  

b. who had lived on the isolated island for fifty years:  

c. he understood the ocean's moods intimately:  

d. he meticulously recorded each shift in the weather patterns:  

e. because he believed his data would one day save lives:  

3. From the reading passage, choose one compound-complex sentence that was not used in the previous question. Write it below, then circle its coordinating conjunction(s) and underline its subordinating conjunction(s).

4. A compound-complex sentence must always contain a semicolon.

5. Construct your own compound-complex sentence about a topic of your choice. Ensure it has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Clearly label each clause and identify the conjunctions used.