A compound sentence is best defined as:
A sentence with two independent clauses and no dependent clauses.
It is formed by joining two independent clauses, typically using a coordinating conjunction (like "and," "but," or "or") or a semicolon. For example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."
In contrast:
- A sentence with one independent clause and one dependent clause is a complex sentence.
- A sentence with no dependent clauses is a simple sentence.
- A sentence with two dependent clauses and no independent clauses does not qualify as a complete sentence because it lacks independent clauses necessary to express a complete thought.