Comparing and Contrasting
in English
These Phrases Are Used to Clearly Express Likeness and
Differences
•
Imagine you are participating in a discussion about ideas. It's
not small talk. It's a discussion about how you feel about
something important, like your beliefs, politics, who you feel is
better for a job, and so on. Using the right phrases and grammar
structures can help you express your ideas well. Knowing how to
compare and contrast is a particularly useful tool to get your
point across in an interesting way.
Words and Short Phrases Used to Compare
The following words or short phrases compare two items or
ideas:
•
like
•
likewise
•
same as
•
as well as
•
also, too
•
likewise
Here is a short paragraph using some of these expressions:
Time, like money, is a limited resource. You can't buy
everything you want, likewise, you don't have enough time to
do everything you want to do. Our time is the same as our
money: it's limited. Also, time is a resource when work needs
to be done.
Words and Short Phrases Used to Contrast
The following words or short phrases contrast two items or
ideas:
•
unlike
•
in contrast to
•
as opposed to
•
different from
•
whereas
Here is a short paragraph using some of these expressions to
contrast:
Unlike time or money, desire is an unlimited resource. Think
about it: In contrast to money which can run out, your
desire for new experiences and ideas will never
end. Whereas there is never enough time to do everything
you want, your desire will always come up with something
new and exciting.
Forms Used When Comparing Ideas
The most important form to use when comparing two ideas is
the comparative form. For three or more ideas, use
the superlative form.
Comparative Form
These sentences use the comparative form to discuss ideas
concerning the difficult economy:
Employment issues are more important than political
problems at this point in time.
Job training is more critical to a sustained well
being than food stamps and other welfare programs.
Politicians are more worried about reelection than truly
improving the economy.
As ... as
A related form to the comparative is the use of "as ... as." The
positive form shows something is equal. However, when using
"as ... as," do not modify the adjective as in the comparative
form.
The loss of manufacturing jobs is as unfortunate as the drop in
pay.
Spending on education in my state is as high as in some
foreign countries like Korea.
The negative form shows that something is not equal.
It isn't as easy as you think.
The loss in production isn't as great as in the past.
Superlative Form
These sentences use the superlative form to state what someone
feels are the most important aspect of success at university:
Dedication is the most important factor in success at
University.
Opening my mind to new perspectives was the most rewarding
part of my time at university.
Conjunctions and Connectors
Use these subordinating conjunctions, connecting words, and
prepositions to contrast positive and negative aspects.
Though, Although, Even Though
Although the initial cost will be high, we will eventually profit
from the time spent.
It's important to remember that time is money even though
many believe that money is more important.
However, Nonetheless
We need to improve the local infrastructure. However, we
must also respect nature.
The government should invest in job training programs.
Nonetheless, that would be expensive.
Despite, In Spite Of
Despite the difficulty, students will soon see the benefit of this
topic of study.
The situation will improve in spite of the economy.
Practice Situations
Find a partner and use these suggestions to practice comparing
and contrasting ideas, events, and people. Make sure to vary the
language you use when practicing rather than using the same
phrase over and over again. For practice, you could try the
following topics:
•
•
Discuss the economic situation in your country
Speak about the positive and negative aspects of a
politician or political party
•
Compare and contrast two different courses at school
•
Consider both sides of an important decision such as
an investment, a career change, etc.
There are three types of sentences in English: simple,
compound, and complex. This worksheet focuses on writing
compound sentences and is ideal for lower-intermediate classes.
Teachers can feel free to print out this page to use in class.
What Are Compound Sentences?
Compound sentences are made up of two simple
sentences connected by a coordinating conjunction. A great way
to remember conjunctions is FANBOYS:
•
F - For: reasons
•
A - And: addition/next action
•
N - Nor: not one or the other
•
B - But: contrasting and unexpected results
•
O - Or: choices and conditions
•
Y - Yet: contrasting and unexpected results
•
S - So: actions taken
Here are some example compound sentences:
Tom arrived home. Then, he ate dinner. -> Tom
arrived home and ate dinner.
We studied many hours for the test. We didn't pass the test. -> We
studied many
hours for the test, but we didn't pass it.
Peter doesn't need to buy a new car. He also doesn't need to go on vacation. -> Peter
doesn't need to buy a new car, nor does he need to go on vacation.
Using Conjunctions in Compound Sentences
Conjunctions are used for different purposes in sentences. A
comma is always placed before the conjunction. Here are the
main uses of the FANBOYS:
Addition/Next Action
and
"And" is used as a coordinating conjunction to show that
something is in addition to something else. Another use of
"and" is to show that one action follows another.
•
Addition: Tom enjoys playing tennis, and he likes
cooking.
•
Next Action: We drove home, and we went to bed.
Contrasting or Showing Unexpected Results
but/yet
Both "but" and "yet" are used to contrast pros and cons or show
unexpected results.
•
Pros and cons of a situation: We wanted to visit our
friends, but we didn't have enough money to get a flight.
Unexpected results: Janet did very well on her job
interview, yet she didn't get the position.
Effect/Cause
so/for
Confusing these two coordinating conjunctions is easy. "So"
expresses a result based on a reason. "For" provides the reason.
Consider the following sentences:
I need some money. I went to the bank.
The result of needing money is that I went to the bank. In this
case, use "so."
I needed some money, so I went to the bank.
The reason I went to the bank is because I needed money. In
this case, use "for."
I went to the bank, for I needed some money.
•
Effect -> Mary needed some new clothing, so she
went shopping.
•
Cause -> They stayed home for the holiday, for they
had to work.
Choice Between Two or Conditions
or
We thought we might go to see a film, or we might have dinner
out.
Angela said she might buy him a watch, or she might give him
a gift certificate.
Conditions
or
You should study a lot for the test, or you won't pass. = If you
don't study a lot for the test, you won't pass.
Neither One nor the Other
nor
We won't be able to visit our friends, nor will they be able to
visit us this summer.
Sharon isn't going to the conference, nor is she going to present
there.
NOTE: Notice how when using "nor" the sentence structure is
inverted. In other words, after "nor," place the helping verb
before the subject.
Compound Sentence Practice
Use FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to write one
compound sentence using the two simple sentences.
•
Peter drove to visit his friend. They went out for
dinner. - Show a sequence of events
•
Mary thinks she should go to school. She wants to get
qualifications for a new profession. - Provide a reason
•
Alan invested a lot of money in the business. The
business went bankrupt. - Show an unexpected result
•
Doug didn't understand the homework assignment.
He asked the teacher for help. - Show an action taken
based on a reason
•
The students didn't prepare for the test. They didn't
realize how important the test was. - Give a reason
•
Susan thinks she should stay home and relax. She also
thinks she should go on vacation. - Show additional
information
•
The doctors looked at the x-rays. They decided to
operate on the patient. - Show an action taken based on a
reason
•
We went out on the town. We came home late. - Show
a sequence of events
•
Jack flew to London to visit his Uncle. He also wanted
to visit the National Museum. - Show addition
•
•
It is sunny. It is very cold. - Show a contrast
Henry studied very hard for the test. He passed with
high marks. - Provide a reason
•
I would like to play tennis today. If I don't play tennis,
I would like to play golf. - Give a choice
•
We needed some food for the week. We went to the
supermarket. - Show an action taken based on a reason
•
Tom asked his teacher for help. He also asked his
parents for help. - Show addition
•
Janet doesn't like sushi. She doesn't like any kind of
fish. - Show that Susan doesn't like either sushi or fish
•
Peter drove to visit his friend, and they went out for
dinner.
•
Mary thinks she should go to school, for she wants to
get qualifications for a new profession.
•
Alan invested a lot of money in the business, but the
business went bankrupt.
•
Doug didn't understand the homework assignment, so
he asked the teacher for help.
•
The students didn't prepare for the test, nor did they
realize how important the test was.
•
Susan thinks she should stay home and relax, or she
should go on vacation.
•
The doctors looked at the x-rays, so they decided to
operate on the patient.
•
•
•
We went out on the town, and we came home late.
Jack flew to London to visit his Uncle, and to visit the
National Museum.
It is sunny, but it is very cold.
•
Henry studied very hard for the test, so passed with
high marks.
•
I would like to play tennis today, or I would like to
play golf.
•
We needed some food for the week, so We went to the
supermarket.
•
Tom asked his teacher for help, and he asked his
parents.
•
fish.
Janet doesn't like sushi, nor does she like any kind of
Other variations are possible than those provided in the
answers. Ask your teacher for other ways to connect these to
write compound sentences.
Sentence connectors
Once you have mastered the basics of correct usage in written
English, you will want to express yourself in increasingly
complex ways. Sentence connectors are used to express
relationships between ideas and to combine sentences and are
one of the best ways to improve and add sophistication to your
writing.
Sentence connectors are also referred to as linking language.
There are a number of forms of sentence connections such as:
Conjunctions, which connect two simple ideas:
•
The teacher discussed French and German history.
Coordinating conjunctions, which connect two phrases or
simple sentences:
•
Jennifer would like to visit Rome, and she would like
to spend some time in Naples.
Subordinating conjunctions, which connect a dependent
and an independent clause:
•
Just as it's important to win, it's important to play
the game.
Conjunctive adverbs are used to connect one sentence to
another:
•
Children get plenty of exercise at our school.
Similarly, they enjoy extensive art programs.
Prepositions must be used with nouns rather than full
phrases:
•
Like Seattle, Tacoma is located on the Puget Sound in
the state of Washington.
Sentence connectors are used for many tasks. For example they
can indicate additional information.
•
Not only do students have to take weekly tests, but
they are also required to take pop-quizzes throughout the
term.
•
The company needs to invest more heavily in
research and development. In addition, we need to
improve our manufacturing facilities.
Sentence connectors can indicate opposition or contrast
between ideas.
•
Mary asked for another week to complete the project
although she had already spent three weeks in
preparation.
•
Despite the economic growth of the past eight years,
most middle class citizens are having difficult making
ends meet.
Connectors can also show the cause and effect of certain actions
or when explaining the reasons for decisions.
•
We decided to hire three more employees because
sales were increasing rapidly.
•
The sales department developed a new marketing
campaign. As a result, sales have risen by more than 50%
over the last six months.
English also uses sentence connectors to contrast information.
•
On the one hand, they have improved their language
skills. On the other hand, they still need to improve their
understanding of basic math.
•
Unlike the nineteenth century, the twentieth century
saw science become the leading subject in universities
around the world.
Finally, use subordinating conjunctions such as 'if' or 'unless'
to express conditions when connecting ideas in English.
•
Unless Tom can complete the project by the end of
next week, we won't win the contract with the city
government.
•
Focus your energies on your studies while at college.
Otherwise, you'll be left with a lot of debt and no diploma.
Type of
Connector
Connector(s)
Examples
Coordinating
Conjunction
and...too
High level positions are
stressful, and can be harmful
to your health too.
Customers are satisfied with
our sales, and they feel our
marketing team is friendly too.
Subordinating just as
conjunction
Just as high level positions are
stressful, they can be harmful
to your health.
Just as students need a
vacation from studies,
employees require some
downtime in order to bring
their best efforts to work.
Conjunctive
adverbs
similarly, in
comparison
High level positions are
stressful at times. Similarly,
they can be harmful to your
health.
Students from Asian countries
tend to be excellent at
grammar. In comparison,
European students often excel
in conversational skills.
Prepositions
like, similar
to
Similar to other important
professions, high level
business positions are stressful
at times.
Like the healthy pursuit of free
time activities, success in the
workplace or at school is
essential to a well-rounded
individual.
Sentence connectors are words and phrases that connect
sentences to help with understanding. Sentence connectors are
also known as linking language. This linking language can be
used to order what you have to say, show opposition, provide
clarification and so on. In many grammar books, you will find
information about sentence connectors when reading about
subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions and so
on.
Here are sentence connectors that show cause and effect in
written English.
Type of
Connector
Connector(s)
Examples
Coordinating
conjunctions
for (cause), so Professionals can sometimes
(effect)
be extremely impatient, for
their positions are at times
rather stressful.
The doctor decided a second
opinion was required, so Tom
was sent to an eye specialist.
Subordinating because,
conjunctions since, as
Since high level positions are
at times rather stressful,
professionals can sometimes
be extremely impatient.
I've decided to go back to
school because I've always
wanted to study philosophy.
As the meeting began late, the
CEO went directly to his
presentation on last quarter's
sales.
Conjunctive
adverbs
therefore, as
a result,
consequently
High level positions are at
times rather stressful.
Therefore, professionals can
sometimes be extremely
impatient.
Susan enjoyed spending her
free time at the theater. As a
result, she decided to take a
vacation in London in order to
attend plays.
The rent has increased
drastically over the past two
years. Consequently, we've
decided to move to a less
expensive city.
Prepositions
because of,
due to, as a
result of
Due to the stressful nature of
high level positions,
professionals can sometimes
be extremely impatient.
Albert left work early because
of his appointment with his
doctor.
Many students spend two or
more hours playing video
games each day. As a result,
their grades suffer and they
sometimes need to repeat
classes.
More About Sentence Connectors
Once you have mastered the basics of correct usage in written
English, you will want to express yourself in
increasingly complex ways. One of the best ways to improve
your writing style is to use sentence connectors. Sentence
connectors are used to express relationships between ideas and
to combine sentences. The use of these connectors will add
sophistication to your writing style.
Sentence connectors can do more than show cause and result.
Here is a short overview with examples of each type of sentence
connector and links to more information.
When you want to give additional information:
Not only have I not finished my work on the report, but I also
need to begin work on next month's presentation in New York
which is very important.
Mark would like to focus on his studies next year. In addition,
he wants to look for an internship to improve his resume to
help him in his future job hunt.
Some sentence connectors show opposition to an idea or
indicate surprise situations.
Mary asked for another week to complete the project although
she had already spent three weeks in preparation.
Despite the economic growth of the past eight years, most
middle class citizens are having difficult making ends meet.
Contrasting information with connectors helps you show both
sides of any argument:
On the one hand, we haven't invested in infrastructure over the
past three decades. On the other hand, tax revenues are at the
lowest in years.
Unlike my French class, homework in my business course is
challenging and interesting.
Subordinating conjunctions such as 'if' or 'unless' express
conditions in various situations.
If we don't finish the project soon, our boss will be very upset
and fire everyone!
She decided to finish school in New York. Otherwise, she'd have
to move back home and live with her parents.
Comparing ideas, objects , and people is another use for these
connectors:
Just as Alice would like to attend art school, Peter wants to go
to a music conservatory.
The marketing department feels we need a new add campaign.
Similarly, research and development feel our products need a
fresh approach.
•
Some Connectors: Showing
Opposition in Written English
There are a wide variety of sentence connectors used to show
opposition or conflicting ideas in written English. These words
and phrases connect sentences to help with understanding.
Sentence connectors are also known as linking language and
include subordinating conjunctions in complex
sentences, coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences,
as well as introductory phrases which can connect two
sentences.
Type of Connector
Connect Examples
or(s)
Coordinating conjunction
but, yet
Coordinating conjunctions connect
two simple sentences and are
separated by a comma.
High level
positions are
stressful at
times, but
professionals
can learn to
manage their
stress levels.
Students
often study
through the
night, yet
they should
be careful
about stress
levels.
Subordinating conjunctions
although,
even
Subordinating conjunctions
though,
connect one dependent clause to
though,
an independent clause. They can
despite
begin a sentences or be placed in
the fact
the middle of a sentence. Use a
comma at the end of the dependent that
clause if you use a subordinating
conjunction to begin a sentence.
Despite the
fact that high
level
positions are
stressful at
times,
professionals
can learn to
manage their
stress levels.
She would
like to move
to Los
Angeles
though there
is little
chance she'll
find a job.
Even though
her father
asked her to
do her
homework,
Susan went
outside to
play.
Conjunctive adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs connect a
second sentence to the first. Use a
comma after a conjunctive adverb
or introductory phrase.
however, High level
neverthel positions are
ess
stressful at
times.
Nevertheless,
professionals
can learn to
manage their
stress levels.
The leading
athletes
spend more
than five
hours a day
training.
However,
they often
have enough
energy to go
for a run in
the evening.
Prepositional phrases
despite,
Prepositional phrases are followed in spite
of
by nouns or noun phrases.
Prepositional phrases can begin a
sentence or be placed after the
independent clause.
In spite of the
stressful
nature of
high level
positions,
professionals
can learn to
manage their
stress levels.
Alan and his
wife decided
to stay for
another week
despite the
rain.
Learn More About Sentence Connectors
Sentence connectors are useful when connecting ideas in
written English. This helps make your writing flow more
logically, as well as convince readers. Here are examples of a
variety of sentence connectors with links for more information.
Connectors can provide additional information to help
you make your point.
•
Not only should teachers take time to speak
individually with each student, but they should also
provide concise written feedback on homework.
•
Management has decided to move headquarters to
New York. In addition, we shall bring our manufacturing
facilities back to the United States.
Explain the cause and effect of decisions, as well as
provide reasons for your arguments.
•
As the company has been looking to expand into
Europe, our CEO has begun negotiations on a joint
venture.
•
Students were unable to pass minimal requirements.
As a result, we've decided to create lower level courses to
help students get up to speed.
Contrast information with connectors to show more
than one side of a situation.
•
On the one hand, we need to raise money within the
next few months. On the other hand, launching a new
product is always risky.
•
Unlike most people's need for companionship, Jason
felt time spent alone was valuable.
Subordinating conjunctions such as 'if' or 'unless' can
express conditions that need to be met.
•
Unless she goes to university to continue her studies,
her parents refuse to support her financially.
•
Tom is going to visit Jim next week when he's in New
York. Otherwise, we'll have to schedule a meeting next
month.
You can also make comparisons to show the similarity
between ideas and objects with sentence connectors.
•
Just as Alice would like to attend art school, Peter
wants to go to a music conservatory.
•
The marketing department feels we need a new ad
campaign. Similarly, research and development feel our
products need a fresh approach.
Complex sentences
Complex sentences are made up of two clauses—an independent
clause and a dependent clause.
Independent clauses are similar to simple sentences. They
can stand alone and function as a sentence:
•
We didn't pass the test.
•
Angela won the competition.
Dependent clauses, however, need to be used together with
an independent clause. Here are some dependent clauses with
independent clauses. Notice how they seem incomplete:
•
Although he is ready.
•
When it is done.
Independent clauses are combined with dependent clauses to
make sense.
•
We'll go to the bank because we need some money.
•
As soon as we land, I'll give you a call.
Notice that dependent clauses can come first. In this case, we
use a comma.
•
Before she comes, we'll eat some lunch.
•
Because he's late for work, he took a taxi.
Writing Complex Sentences Using Subordinating
Conjunctions
Complex sentences are written by using subordinating
conjunctions to connect the two clauses.
Showing Opposition or Unexpected Results
Use these three subordinating conjunctions to show that there
is a pro and con or to contrast statements.
although / even though / though
•
Although I felt he was wrong, I decided to trust him.
•
Sharon started looking for a new job even
though she was currently employed.
•
Though I couldn't understand a word, we had a great
time!
Showing Cause and Effect
To give reasons use these conjunctions that keep the same
meaning.
because / since / as
•
Since you need some help, I'll come over this
afternoon.
•
Henry felt he needed to take some time
off because he had been working so hard.
•
The parents paid for extra lessons as the children
were very gifted.
Expressing Time
There are a number of subordinating conjunctions that express
time. Note that the simple tense (present simple or past simple)
is generally used in dependent clauses beginning with time
subordinators.
when / as soon as / before / after / by
•
By the time you get this letter, I will have left for New
York.
•
I used to play a lot of tennis when I was a teenager.
•
We had a wonderful dinner after she had arrived.
Expressing Conditions
Use these subordinators to express that something depends on
a condition.
if / unless / in the case that
•
•
If I were you, I would take my time with that project.
They won't come next week unless you ask them to
do so.
•
In the case that he isn't available, we'll look for
another consultant.
Complex Sentence Worksheets
Provide a fitting subordinator to fill the gaps in these sentences.
1. I'm going to the bank _______ I need some money.
2. I made lunch _________ I got home.
3. ________ it's raining, she's going for a walk in the park.
4. ________ she finishes her homework soon, she will fail
the class.
5. He decided to trust Tim ______ he was an honest man.
6. _______ we went to school, she decided to investigate the
situation.
7. Jennifer decided to leave Tom _______ he was too
worried about his job.
8. Dennis bought a new jacket __________ he had received
one as a gift last week.
9. Brandley claims that there will be trouble _____ he
doesn't complete the job.
10. Janice will have finished the report ____ the time you
receive the letter.
Answers
1. because / since / as
2. after / when / as soon as
3. although / even though / though
4. unless
5. because / since / as
6. before / when
7. because / since / as
8. although / even though / though
9. if / in the case that
10. by
Use subordinating conjunctions (though, if, when, because, etc.)
to connect the sentences into one complex sentence.
1. Henry needs to learn English. I will teach him.
2. It was raining outside. We went for a walk.
3. Jenny needs to ask me. I will buy it for her.
4. Yvonne played golf extremely well. She was very young.
5. Franklin wants to get a new job. He is preparing for job
interviews.
6. I'm writing a letter, and I'm leaving. You will find it
tomorrow.
7. Marvin thinks he will buy the house. He just wants to know
what his wife thinks.
8. Cindy and David had breakfast. They left for work.
9. I really enjoyed the concert. The music was too loud.
10. Alexander has been working sixty hours a week. There is an
important presentation next week.
11. I usually work out at the gym early in the morning. I leave
for work at eight a.m.
12. The car was extremely expensive. Bob didn't have much
money. He bought the car.
13. Dean sometimes goes to the cinema. He enjoys going with
his friend Doug. Doug visits once a month.
14. I prefer to watch TV by streaming over the internet. It
allows me to watch what I want when I want.
15. Sometimes it happens that we have a lot of rain. I put the
chairs on the patio in the garage when we have rain.
There are other variations that are possible than those provided
in the answers. Ask your teacher for other ways to connect these
to write complex sentences.
1. As Henry needs to learn English, I will teach him.
2. We went for a walk even though it was raining.
3. If Jenny asks me, I will buy it for her.
4. Yvonne played golf extremely well when she was young.
5. Because Franklin wants to get a new job, he is preparing
for job interviews.
6. I'm writing you this letter which you will find after I leave.
7. Unless his wife doesn't like the house, Marvin will buy it.
8. After Cindy and David had eaten breakfast, they left for
work.
9. I really enjoyed the concert although the music was too
loud.
10. As Alexander has an important presentation next week, he
has been working sixty hours a week.
11. I usually work out at the gym before I leave for work at
eight.
12. Though Bob didn't have much money, he bought the
extremely expensive car.
13. If Doug visits, they go to the cinema.
14. Since it allows me to watch what I want when I want, I
prefer to watch TV by streaming over the internet.
15. If it rains a lot, I put the chairs on the patio in the garage.
There are three types of sentences in English: Simple,
compound and complex sentences. This worksheet focuses on
writing compound-complex sentences and is ideal for advanced
level classes. Teachers can feel free to print out this page to use
in class.
Understanding Compound-Complex Sentences
Compound-complex sentences are sentences that contain two
independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. They
are more complicated than compound sentences or complex
sentences as they combine the two styles. Learning to write
compound-complex sentences is an advanced level English
learning task. Make sure you understand both compound and
complex sentences before you begin to study the compoundcomplex sentences.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Compound sentences use coordinating conjunctions also known
as FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to connect
two simple sentences. Remember to place a comma before the
coordinating conjunction. Here are two compound sentences as
examples to review.
I would like to read the book, but it's not available.
Janet is going to visit her grandparents, and she's going to a
meeting.
Complex Sentences Adverb Clauses
Complex sentences combine one dependent and
one independent clause through the use of subordinating
conjunctions such as because, though, as, while, if, etc these are
also known as dependent adverb clauses. Here are two complex
sentences as examples to review. Notice how the two sentences
are similar in meaning to the two compound sentences.
Though it's not available, I'd like to read the book.
Janet is going to a meeting after she has visited her
grandparents.
Remember that the dependent clause can be placed at the
beginning or the end of the sentence. When placing the
dependent clause at the beginning of the sentence, use a
comma.
Complex Sentences Using Relative Clauses
Complex sentences also use relative clauses using relative
pronouns (who, which, that, etc.) as the independent clause to
modify a noun or noun phrase. Relative clauses are also known
as dependent adjective clauses.
I would like to read the book which was written by John
Handy.
Jane is going to visit her grandparents who live in Boston.
Combining the Two
Most compound-complex sentences contain coordinating
conjunction and an adverb or relative clause. Here are examples
combining the previous sentences to write compound-complex
sentences.
I would like to read the book which was written by John
Handy, but it's not available.
Jane is going to a meeting after she has visited her
grandparents who live in Boston.
Compound-Complex Sentence Worksheet
Combine the sentences to make one compound-complex
sentence.
•
Susan teaches the kids who live in the neighborhood.
They meet in the evenings after she comes home from
work.
•
The doctor wants to prescribe physical therapy, and he
asked me to see a specialist. He recommended Dr. Smith.
•
Anthony told us about the assembly of the products.
Unfortunately, he didn't tell us about where they were
made.
•
We managed to finish the exercise on time and passed
the exam. However, it was very difficult.
•
The man spoke little English. Mary understood him,
but couldn't help.
•
We didn't have much time, so we didn't read the final
chapter. However, we still enjoyed the book.
•
We will miss our father greatly. He taught us many
lessons. Those lessons have helped us succeed in life.
•
The eagles attract many tourists. They live in the local
mountain range. Unfortunately, the politicians still refuse
to protect them.
•
We finished our work early, so we decided to go out
for a drink. We went to Allan's Pub.
•
The students who attended the university went on
strike. They protested the tuition hikes.
•
Sandy wanted to ask her uncle questions about his
experiences. Her uncle fought in WW II.
•
The boys refused to ask the teacher any questions.
They failed the exam.
•
I don't like the food. The staff prepares the food. I also
do not like their unfriendly attitude.
•
Sheila loves red. The Mustang is red, but she might
wait a few months.
•
He can join us if he asks the man who invited us to the
party. He can also stay home.
Answers
There are other variations that are possible than those provided
in the answers. Ask your teacher for other ways to connect these
to write complex sentences.
•
Susan teaches the kids who live in the neighborhood
in the evenings after she comes home from work.
•
The doctor wants to prescribe physical therapy, and he
wants me to see Dr. Smith whom he recommended.
•
Anthony instructed us on how the products are
assembled, but he failed to tell us where they were made.
•
Although the exercise was difficult, we managed to
finish it on time, so we passed the exam.
•
Mary understood the man who spoke little English,
but she was unable to help him.
•
Because we had limited time, we didn't read the final
chapter, yet we still enjoyed the book.
•
Our father taught us many lessons which helped us
succeed in life, and we will miss him greatly.
•
The eagles which live in the local mountain range
attract many tourists, but the local politicians still refuse to
protect them.
•
As we had finished our work early, we decided to go
out for a drink, so we went to Allan's Pub.
•
The students who attended the university went on
strike, for they protested the tuition hikes.
•
Sandy never met her uncle who had fought in WW II,
yet she wanted to ask him about his experiences.
•
The boys refused to ask the teacher who had
instructed them any questions, so they failed the exam.
•
I don't enjoy the food which is prepared by the staff,
nor do I appreciate their unfriendly attitude.
•
As she loves red, Sheila wants to buy the Mustang, or
she wants to wait for a few months.
•
If he wants to join us, he needs to ask the man who
invited us to the party, or he can stay home.