How to Build Compound-Complex Sentences

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear and structured explanation of compound-complex sentences, one of the most sophisticated sentence structures in English grammar. The instructors, Paige and Rosie, break down the definition by reviewing the components of simple, compound, and complex sentences before demonstrating how these elements combine. They use a digital whiteboard to visually map out the requirements: at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. The video explores key grammatical themes including clause identification (independent vs. dependent), the use of coordinating conjunctions, and sentence variety. Through two distinct examples—one about picking flowers after a storm and a humorous narrative about a character named Alberto with a walnut allergy—the instructors demonstrate how to identify and construct these sentences. They also show how sentences can be expanded with additional clauses while maintaining their classification. For educators, this resource is an excellent tool for middle school English Language Arts classrooms. It demystifies a concept that often confuses students by visually isolating the parts of speech. Teachers can use this video to transition students from writing simple sentences to more nuanced, rhythmic prose. It serves as a perfect introduction to a lesson on sentence variety or as a remediation tool for students struggling with run-on sentences or fragments.