What characterizes a compound sentence?

A compound sentence is characterized by having two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, such as "and," "but," or "or." Each independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, but when combined, they create a compound structure that often enhances the complexity and richness of the writing. For instance, in the sentence "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain," both parts can function independently, yet they are connected to convey a complete thought.

The other options do not describe a compound sentence correctly. A sentence with a dependent clause represents a complex sentence, a single independent clause indicates a simple sentence, and a sentence with only one clause also refers to a simple sentence. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing the various structures that sentences can take in language.