Compound vs Run-On Sentences

Compound Sentences

• A compound sentence is formed by joining two or more independent clauses.
• Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
• They are joined by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).
• Example: The dog barked, and the cat ran. (Two independent clauses joined by "and")

Run-On Sentences

• A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
• It occurs when clauses are connected but not connected correctly.
• This results in a grammatically incorrect and difficult-to-read sentence.
• Poor grammar marks make it hard to follow and understand.
• Errors are common in writing.
• Incorrect use of punctuation creates the run-on sentence.
• Example: The dog barked the cat ran. (Missing conjunction or punctuation)

Key Differences Between Compound and Run-On Sentences

• Compound sentences are grammatically correct; run-on sentences are not.
• Compound sentences contain correctly punctuated independent clauses joined by a conjunction or a punctuation mark.
• Run-on sentences have independent clauses incorrectly connected.
• Compound sentences are easier to understand due to the proper grammatical structure.
• Clarity and structure are present in compound sentences.

Correcting Run-on Sentences

• One way to correct a run-on sentence is to divide it into two separate sentences.
• Another way is to insert a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) between the independent clauses.
• Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses.
• Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
• Use a conjunction and a comma to separate related clauses.
• Proper punctuation and correct word use create well-formed sentences.