Which sentence structure includes one independent clause and one dependent clause?

A complex sentence is defined by its composition of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete thought, while the dependent clause cannot; it relies on the independent clause to provide a complete meaning. For example, in the complex sentence "Although it was raining, we went for a walk," "we went for a walk" is the independent clause, and "Although it was raining" serves as the dependent clause, which adds additional information but cannot stand alone.

In contrast, a simple sentence contains just one independent clause, making it straightforward and direct without any subordinate information. A compound sentence includes two or more independent clauses, typically linked by coordinating conjunctions, but does not include dependent clauses. The term "simple-complex sentence" is not a standard term in grammar and could lead to confusion as it does not refer to a recognized structure. Understanding these distinctions highlights why the complex sentence is specifically characterized by its combination of an independent clause and a dependent clause.