ACT Preparation / Unit 1 ACT 0009 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences
Captions available
The idea
A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause. A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.
In practice
"When the power failed, the hospital switched to its generator" is complex.
Where people slip
The independent clause carries the main idea, so put the point to stress there.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for ACT Preparation