What is the term for a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by a comma, semicolon, or conjunction?

What is the term for a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by a comma, semicolon, or conjunction?

• A. Simple Sentence
• B. Declarative Statement
• C. Noun Phrase
• D. Compound Sentence

Answer: (D)

Two independent clauses—each able to stand as its own sentence—can be connected to form a larger sentence. When a sentence contains at least two of these complete thoughts linked by a comma with a coordinating conjunction, or by a semicolon, it is a compound sentence. This term fits the description precisely because it describes the structure of joining independent thoughts into one sentence. A simple sentence would have only one independent clause, a noun phrase isn’t a complete sentence on its own, and a declarative statement describes the sentence’s function rather than how it’s built.

Two independent clauses—each able to stand as its own sentence—can be connected to form a larger sentence. When a sentence contains at least two of these complete thoughts linked by a comma with a coordinating conjunction, or by a semicolon, it is a compound sentence. This term fits the description precisely because it describes the structure of joining independent thoughts into one sentence. A simple sentence would have only one independent clause, a noun phrase isn’t a complete sentence on its own, and a declarative statement describes the sentence’s function rather than how it’s built.