What is a main characteristic of a compound sentence?

A compound sentence is defined by its ability to connect two or more independent clauses, which are complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences. The primary method for linking these independent clauses in a compound sentence is through coordinating conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or." This characteristic allows for the combination of related ideas, enhancing the coherence and complexity of writing.

In contrast, a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought, so it does not define a compound sentence. A sentence with only a single independent clause would be classified as a simple sentence rather than compound. Additionally, a compound sentence is not restricted to a question format; it can express statements, commands, or exclamations as well. Thus, the defining feature of a compound sentence is its use of coordinating conjunctions to connect independent clauses.