Which of the following best defines a compound sentence?

Which of the following best defines a compound sentence?

• A. A sentence with only one independent clause
• B. A sentence that includes multiple subjects
• C. A sentence with two or more independent clauses
• D. A sentence that contains subordinate clauses only

Answer: (C)

A compound sentence is defined as one that consists of two or more independent clauses. Independent clauses are complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences; they contain a subject and a predicate. By combining them with coordinating conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or," a compound sentence can convey more complex ideas or show the relationship between those ideas. Understanding this structure is crucial for identifying and constructing compound sentences, as they allow for more nuanced expression in writing. The correct answer captures the essence of what constitutes a compound sentence, emphasizing the presence of multiple independent clauses working together. In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the definition of a compound sentence, focusing instead on singular independent clauses, subjects, or subordinate clauses, which are characteristics of different sentence types.

A compound sentence is defined as one that consists of two or more independent clauses. Independent clauses are complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences; they contain a subject and a predicate. By combining them with coordinating conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or," a compound sentence can convey more complex ideas or show the relationship between those ideas.

Understanding this structure is crucial for identifying and constructing compound sentences, as they allow for more nuanced expression in writing. The correct answer captures the essence of what constitutes a compound sentence, emphasizing the presence of multiple independent clauses working together.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the definition of a compound sentence, focusing instead on singular independent clauses, subjects, or subordinate clauses, which are characteristics of different sentence types.