Describe a ‘compound sentence’.

A compound sentence is defined as one that contains at least two independent clauses that are connected by a conjunction, such as "and," "but," or "or." Independent clauses are groups of words that can stand alone as complete sentences because they express a complete thought. By joining these clauses with a conjunction, the compound sentence creates a more complex idea while still maintaining clarity and coherence.

For instance, in the compound sentence "I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain," both “I wanted to go to the park” and “it started to rain” can stand alone as sentences, but they are linked together to show contrast. This structure effectively enhances the flow of ideas and allows for the expression of more nuanced thoughts.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of sentences or characteristics. A dependent clause cannot stand alone, a complete thought describes simple sentences, and using descriptive adjectives pertains to word choice rather than sentence structure.