Which of the following best describes a compound-complex sentence?

A compound-complex sentence is defined as a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses in addition to at least one dependent clause. This structure allows for more intricate and nuanced expressions in writing, combining multiple complete thoughts while also adding supporting information through the dependent clauses.

The presence of the independent clauses means that the sentence can stand on its own, making it more complex than a simple or compound sentence. The inclusion of a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, adds a layer of detail or context. This combination enriches the text, providing coherence and depth to the ideas being conveyed.

Other options do not meet the criteria for what constitutes a compound-complex sentence; they either focus too narrowly on independent clauses or only identify clauses that cannot stand alone as complete thoughts. Understanding this structure is essential for effective writing and comprehension of more sophisticated sentence forms.