A compound-complex sentence includes which of the following?

• A. One or more independent clauses and no subordinate clauses.
• B. Two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
• C. Only dependent clauses.
• D. Just one independent clause.

Answer: (B)

B is the correct answer because a compound-complex sentence is defined as containing at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. To break it down further, independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences because they express a complete thought, while dependent clauses cannot stand alone and typically provide additional information related to the independent clauses. This structure allows for more complex expressions of ideas, enabling nuanced communication that incorporates multiple viewpoints or actions linked by conjunctions.

Understanding the definitions of the other options highlights why they do not align with the characteristics of a compound-complex sentence. For instance, having just independent clauses or only dependent clauses does not meet the definition, as a true compound-complex sentence requires the combination of both types of clauses to convey complex relationships within the content effectively.