A compound sentence is a type of sentence that combines two independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction, such as and, but, or or. Each independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, but when joined, they create a more complex thought. For example, "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain." Using compound sentences can enhance writing by adding variety and depth. They allow writers to connect related ideas, making the text more engaging. Proper punctuation, such as a comma before the coordinating conjunction, is essential for clarity in compound sentences.