What does a compound-complex sentence consist of?

A compound-complex sentence is defined by its structure, which includes more than one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The presence of multiple independent clauses allows the sentence to express several related thoughts or actions, while the dependent clause typically provides additional information or context that cannot stand alone as a complete thought.

For instance, in the sentence “Although it was raining, I went for a jog, and my friend stayed home,” the dependent clause “Although it was raining” cannot stand alone, while “I went for a jog” and “my friend stayed home” are independent and can function on their own. This combination facilitates the creation of nuanced and elaborate sentences that convey complex ideas and relationships between different actions or conditions.

The other options do not fulfill the criteria for a compound-complex sentence. For example, having only one independent clause, only dependent clauses, or merely combining two simple sentences does not meet the definition of the compound-complex structure. Therefore, understanding these definitions and sentence structures is essential for effective communication in writing.