What does a compound complex sentence contain?

A compound complex sentence is characterized by having at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. The independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences but are connected to show a relationship, while the dependent clause cannot stand alone and provides additional information, usually beginning with a subordinating conjunction (like because, although, or when).

For example, in the sentence "Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed ourselves," there are two independent clauses ("we went for a walk" and "we enjoyed ourselves") and one dependent clause ("Although it was raining"). This structure allows for conveying more intricate ideas and relationships between thoughts, which is a hallmark of compound complex sentences.

The other options do not capture the necessary elements that define a compound complex sentence, focusing instead on simpler structures or components that lack the complexity required for this classification.