What is a compound sentence?

A compound sentence is defined as a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses that are joined together, typically using a coordinating conjunction such as 'and,' 'but,' or 'or.' The independent clauses are complete thoughts that could stand alone as sentences, but when combined with a conjunction, they create a compound sentence that conveys a more complex idea.

For example, consider the sentences "I wanted to go for a walk" and "It started to rain." Each of these is an independent clause. When combined to create "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain," we have a compound sentence.

In contrast, a sentence with only one independent clause does not meet the criteria for a compound sentence. Similarly, a sentence that comprises only dependent clauses would not qualify as it lacks independent thoughts. A sentence that includes multiple clauses but does not utilize any conjunctions would classify as a different structure, such as a run-on sentence or a series of separate clauses. Therefore, the definition provided in the correct choice accurately captures the essence of a compound sentence as it relates to independent clauses and conjunctions.