Compound-Complex Sentences - English 5 Study Notes

Academic Course Overview & Learning Targets

  • Institution: Colegio San Agustin Makati - Grade School Department
  • Academic Year: A.Y. 2026 - 2027
  • Subject: ENGLISH 5
  • English 5 Teachers: Ms. Fulgencio, Ms. Laforteza, Mr. Viray
  • Learning Targets:
    • Recall simple, compound, and complex sentences.
    • Note the structure of compound-complex sentences.
    • Use the correct coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in writing compound-complex sentences.
    • Explain the mission of a true Augustinian in sharing skills/talent.

Sentence Type Review & Riddles

  • Simple Sentence Riddle:

    • Poem Verse:
    • I stand alone with just one thought,
    • No extra clauses have I got.
    • I may be short or I may be long,
    • But with subject and verb, I’m strong.
    • What am I?
    • Answer: SIMPLE

  • Compound Sentence Riddle:

    • Poem Verse:
    • I have two ideas that can stand alone,
    • I link them with a word like “and” or “but” to be shown.
    • I’m stronger than simple, yet not too perplexed,
    • Tell me, which kind of sentence comes next?
    • Answer: COMPOUND

  • Complex Sentence Riddle:

    • Poem Verse:
    • I carry one thought that stands on its own,
    • But another depends—it can’t live alone.
    • Joined by words like “because” or “when,”
    • Guess what kind of sentence I am then?
    • Answer: COMPLEX

Fundamentals of Compound-Complex Sentences

  • Definition:

    • A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses (IC) and at least one dependent clause (DC).

  • Conjunction Usage Rules:

    • Coordinating Conjunctions: Used to join independent clauses together.
    • Subordinating Conjunctions: Used to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause(s).

  • Rules to Avoid Run-On Sentences:

    • Use proper punctuation.
    • Place and join clauses correctly.
    • Clearly reference subjects across clauses.

Conjunction Types & Mnemonic Devices

FANBOYS and I SAW A WABUB Conjunctions Chart

  • Coordinating Conjunctions (Compound Sentences):

    • Mnemonic: FANBOYS
    • F - for
    • A - and
    • N - nor
    • B - but
    • O - or
    • Y - yet
    • S - so

  • Subordinating Conjunctions (Complex Sentences):

    • Mnemonic: I SAW A WABUB
    • I - if
    • S - since
    • A - as
    • W - when
    • A - although
    • W - while
    • A - after
    • B - before
    • U - until
    • B - because

Structural Forms of Compound-Complex Sentences

  • Overview of Forms:

    1. IC+IC+DC\text{IC} + \text{IC} + \text{DC}
    2. DC+IC+IC\text{DC} + \text{IC} + \text{IC}
    3. IC+DC+IC\text{IC} + \text{DC} + \text{IC}

  • Form 1: IC+IC+DC\text{IC} + \text{IC} + \text{DC}

    • Pattern Structure: Independent Clause + Independent Clause + Dependent Clause
    • Example Sentence: "It was Friday, and Jubert had to stay in school because he is the president of the Journalism Club."
    • Clause Breakdown:
    • Independent Clause 1 (IC): "It was Friday"
    • Coordinating Conjunction: "and"
    • Independent Clause 2 (IC): "Jubert had to stay in school"
    • Subordinating Conjunction & Dependent Clause (DC): "because he is the president of the Journalism Club."

  • Form 2: DC+IC+IC\text{DC} + \text{IC} + \text{IC}

    • Pattern Structure: Dependent Clause + Independent Clause + Independent Clause
    • Example Sentence: "Since Teacher Alimae was also around, she took the attendance, and Princess noted the absentee."
    • Clause Breakdown:
    • Subordinating Conjunction & Dependent Clause (DC): "Since Teacher Alimae was also around"
    • Punctuation: Comma following the introductory dependent clause
    • Independent Clause 1 (IC): "she took the attendance"
    • Coordinating Conjunction: "and"
    • Independent Clause 2 (IC): "Princess noted the absentee."

  • Form 3: IC+DC+IC\text{IC} + \text{DC} + \text{IC}

    • Pattern Structure: Independent Clause + Dependent Clause + Independent Clause
    • Example Sentence: "All the members participated actively as they voted for the assignment of tasks, and they shared many ideas."
    • Clause Breakdown:
    • Independent Clause 1 (IC): "All the members participated actively"
    • Subordinating Conjunction & Dependent Clause (DC): "as they voted for the assignment of tasks"
    • Coordinating Conjunction: "and"
    • Independent Clause 2 (IC): "they shared many ideas."