Which statement defines a complex sentence?

• A. A sentence with two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction
• B. A sentence fragment
• C. A sentence consisting of a dependent clause only
• D. A sentence composed of one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses

Answer: (D)

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause plus one or more dependent clauses. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete thought, while the dependent clause cannot stand alone and relies on the independent part to complete its meaning. When you combine them, you get a sentence that provides a main idea along with additional information such as time, reason, condition, or contrast.

This matches the described structure: one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.

For clarity, think of an example: Although it rained, the game continued. Here, “the game continued” is the independent clause, and “Although it rained” is a dependent clause that adds information but cannot stand alone.