What is an example of a simple sentence?

A simple sentence is defined as a sentence that consists of a single independent clause. This means it must have a subject and a predicate, conveying a complete thought without any dependent clauses.

In the option identified as the correct answer, the structure "The man in the green overalls with the steel-toed boots wandered into the upscale department store" includes a clear subject ("the man") and a verb phrase ("wandered into"), forming a complete thought. The details about the man's appearance do not complicate the sentence's structure; they simply describe the subject.

The other options either lack a complete verb or are fragments of thoughts. For example, one option describes a scene but does not provide a complete action and thus cannot stand alone as a complete thought. This characteristic disqualifies them from being categorized as simple sentences. The clarity of the independent clause in the chosen example exemplifies the nature of a simple sentence effectively.