Understanding Compound-Complex Sentences in Indonesian Grammar

Compound-Complex Sentences: Definition and Structure

A compound-complex sentence, or kalimat majemuk campuran in Indonesian, is a sentence that combines both compound and complex sentence structures. This means it contains at least two independent clauses (known as main clauses) and one or more dependent clauses (known as subordinate clauses).

To illustrate, a compound-complex sentence:
– Has a minimum of three clauses (two independent and one dependent)
– Connects the independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions (dan, tetapi, atau, etc.)
– Connects the dependent clause to an independent clause using subordinating conjunctions (sebab, karena, meskipun, etc.)

Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions in Indonesian

Coordinating Conjunctions: In Indonesian grammar, coordinating conjunctions, also known as kata hubung, unite independent clauses. Some common coordinating conjunctions include:

1. dan (and)
2. tetapi (but)
3. atau (or)
4. sedangkan (whereas)

For example:
– Saya pergi ke bioskop dan dia pergi ke toko. (I went to the cinema and he went to the store.)

Subordinating Conjunctions: These conjunctions, known as kata penghubung, link dependent clauses to independent clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include:

1. karena (because)
2. meskipun (although)
3. sebelum (before)
4. setelah (after)

For example:
– Saya belajar keras karena ingin lulus. (I study hard because I want to graduate.)

Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences in Indonesian

To further demonstrate the structure of compound-complex sentences in Indonesian grammar, here are some examples:

1. Anita membaca buku dan Dina menonton TV karena mereka sudah mengerjakan PR mereka.
(Anita reads a book and Dina watches TV because they have already done their homework.)

2. Meskipun hujan lebat, Rudi pergi ke sekolah dan Lila pergi ke pasar.
(Despite the heavy rain, Rudi goes to school and Lila goes to the market.)

In each example, there are two independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions, with one dependent clause linked via subordinating conjunctions.

Creating Compound-Complex Sentences in Indonesian

To develop compound-complex sentences in Indonesian, follow these steps:

1. Identify at least two independent clauses: These can be simple sentences or clauses that have a subject and predicate, conveying complete thoughts or ideas.
2. Choose a coordinating conjunction: Select an appropriate coordinating conjunction (dan, tetapi, atau, etc.) to connect the independent clauses.
3. Determine the dependent clause: Find a clause that isn’t a complete thought or idea and depends on an independent clause for context.
4. Use a subordinating conjunction: Attach the dependent clause to one independent clause using a subordinating conjunction (karena, meskipun, sebelum, etc.).

By following these steps and understanding the structure of compound-complex sentences, Indonesian speakers can improve their language skills and produce more intricate and engaging sentences.