Which of the following describes a simple sentence?

A simple sentence is defined as having one independent clause, which consists of a subject and a predicate, conveying a complete thought. This structure ensures clarity and conciseness in communication. Independent clauses can stand alone as sentences since they complete an idea without needing additional information.

In contrast, the other options describe different sentence structures. Two or more independent clauses create a compound sentence. An independent clause paired with a dependent clause forms a complex sentence. Lastly, multiple clauses with varying dependencies would represent a compound-complex sentence, which combines elements of both compound and complex structures. Thus, the essence of a simple sentence as purely one independent clause is what makes it unique and fundamental in sentence construction.