What is a "sentence" defined as in writing?

A sentence in writing is defined as an independent statement that begins with a capital letter and concludes with a punctuation mark, typically a period. This definition highlights the primary characteristics that distinguish a complete sentence from other word combinations.

An independent statement means that it conveys a complete thought and can stand alone, which is crucial for effective communication. The requirement for capitalization at the start signals the beginning of a new statement, while the ending punctuation, often a period, indicates the completion of that thought. This structure is fundamental in syntax, helping readers to easily identify sentences within a text.

In contrast, the other choices describe elements that do not align with the standard definition of a sentence. An unrelated series of words lack coherence and structure needed to form a complete thought. A statement that does not require capitalization does not follow conventional grammatical rules, making it incomplete. Finally, while a question can be a sentence, it does not encompass the full definition as it specifically focuses on interrogative statements rather than sentences as a broader category.