Which of the following best defines a simple sentence?

• A. A sentence with multiple subjects.
• B. A sentence that uses a semicolon.
• C. A sentence with one independent clause.
• D. A sentence that includes both independent and dependent clauses.

Answer: (C)

A simple sentence is defined as a sentence that contains one independent clause, which means it expresses a complete thought and has a subject and a predicate. This type of sentence does not contain any dependent clauses or additional independent clauses. Examples of simple sentences include short statements like "The cat slept."

When considering the other choices, the first option describes a structure that could be more complex, as having multiple subjects can lead to compound sentences. The second option involving a semicolon pertains to sentence structures that often join independent clauses but doesn't reflect the definition of a simple sentence. The fourth choice suggests a combination of independent and dependent clauses, which describes a complex sentence rather than a simple one. Therefore, the best definition of a simple sentence is one that contains a single independent clause.