Question 42

John left, but his brother stayed home because he was sick.

A compound-complex sentence consists of at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Option A meets these criteria with the independent clauses "John left" and "his brother stayed home," and the dependent clause "because he was sick."

A) John left, but his brother stayed home because he was sick.

This option is correct as it contains two independent clauses ("John left" and "his brother stayed home") joined by the conjunction "but," and a dependent clause ("because he was sick") that adds additional information, thus qualifying it as a compound-complex sentence.

B) We can go see a movie and get something to eat at the cinema.

Option B is incorrect because it contains only one independent clause with a compound predicate ("go see a movie" and "get something to eat"). It lacks a dependent clause, making it a simple sentence instead of a compound-complex one.

C) The book that Tommy read is on the shelf near the back of the room.

This option is also incorrect as it presents a single independent clause ("The book is on the shelf...") and a relative clause ("that Tommy read"), but does not contain multiple independent clauses, thus not qualifying as a compound-complex sentence.

D) Should we start class now, or should we wait until everyone gets here?

While Option D contains two independent clauses connected by "or," it does not include a dependent clause. Therefore, it is a compound sentence, not a compound-complex sentence.

Conclusion

Option A is definitively the correct answer as it fulfills the requirements of a compound-complex sentence by combining two independent clauses with a dependent clause. The other options fail to meet the criteria either by lacking the necessary clauses or by being classified wrongly as simple or compound sentences.