Question

What are some complex/complex-compound sentences in Benjamin Banneker's letter to Thomas Jefferson?

Answer 1

Compound examples are formed by at least two independent clauses (they can stand alone as a sentence) that share the same idea. These independent clauses are usually joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon.  

Examples of compound sentences taken from Banneker's letter:

• You may have the opportunity of perusing it after its publication (independent clause), yet (coordinating conjunction) I chose to send it to you in manuscript previous thereto (independent clause)

• You might not only have an earlier inspection (independent clause), but (coordinating conjunction) that you might also view it in my own hand writing(independent clause)

Complex examples are formed by an independent clause and at least one dependent clause (they cannot stand alone in spite of having a subject and a verb). Dependent clauses are usually preceded by a subordinating conjunction (since, when, who, which, while, etc.)

Examples of complex sentences taken from Banneker's letter:

• Sir I am fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom (independent clause) which (subordinating conjunction) I take with you on the present occasion  (dependent clause)

• Although (subordinating conjunction) my Sympathy and affection for my brethren hath caused my enlargement thus far (dependent clause), I ardently hope that your candour and generosity will plead with you in my behalf  (independent clause)