A compound ________ is 2 or more simple sentences/complete thoughts (independent clauses) connected by a comma and a conjunction (e.g., and, or, but) or by a semicolon and no conjunction.

A) clause
B) phrase
C) sentence
I answered c

Right.

Actually, the correct answer is A) clause.

In a compound sentence, two or more independent clauses are combined to form a longer sentence. An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. These clauses can be connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (such as "and," "or," or "but") or by a semicolon without a conjunction.

To better understand this concept, let's break it down step by step:

1. A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a predicate (verb). It can either be independent (can stand alone as a sentence) or dependent (cannot stand alone as a sentence).

2. A phrase is a group of words that functions as a single part of speech but does not include both a subject and a predicate. It does not form a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

3. On the other hand, a sentence is a complete thought that consists of one or more clauses. It contains a subject, a predicate, and, optionally, other elements like objects or modifiers.

In this case, a compound sentence specifically refers to two or more independent clauses joined together using a comma and a coordinating conjunction (like "and," "or," or "but"), or by a semicolon if there is no conjunction.

Therefore, the correct answer is A) clause.