Explain the concept of compound-complex sentences and provide examples.

Compound-complex sentences are a type of sentence structure that combines elements of both compound and complex sentences. These sentences consist of two or more independent clauses (compound) and at least one dependent clause (complex). The independent clauses can stand alone as separate sentences, while the dependent clause cannot.

Compound-complex sentences are used to express complex ideas or relationships between multiple thoughts or actions. They allow for the combination of different ideas, adding depth and variety to writing.

Here are a few examples of compound-complex sentences:

1. Although she was tired, Sarah went to the gym, and she worked out for an hour.
- In this example, the dependent clause "Although she was tired" introduces a condition, while the independent clauses "Sarah went to the gym" and "she worked out for an hour" express separate actions.

2. The dog barked loudly, but the cat ignored it because it was sleeping.
- This sentence combines two independent clauses "The dog barked loudly" and "the cat ignored it" with the dependent clause "because it was sleeping." It shows the contrasting actions of the dog and the cat.

3. After finishing his homework, John went to the park, and he played basketball with his friends.
- In this example, the dependent clause "After finishing his homework" sets the time frame, while the independent clauses "John went to the park" and "he played basketball with his friends" describe separate actions.

4. The storm was approaching, so we decided to stay indoors, but the power went out, and we had to use candles.
- This sentence includes multiple independent clauses "The storm was approaching," "we decided to stay indoors," and "the power went out," along with the dependent clause "and we had to use candles." It demonstrates a series of events and their consequences.

In summary, compound-complex sentences combine independent clauses with at least one dependent clause to express complex ideas or relationships. They allow for the combination of different thoughts or actions, adding variety and depth to writing.