Punctuating Compound Sentences Eliminating Run-Ons

Remember

A

compound sentence

is a sentence with two or more independent clauses.

There are correct ways and incorrect ways to link independent clauses. Let�s look at the correct ways first.

Example:

Solving equations is useful, but studying grammar is fun.

(The linking word is "but." A comma precedes the linking word.)

Example:

Simple sentences contain one clause, and compound sentences contain at least two.

(The linking word is "and." A comma precedes the linking word.)

These linking words have names. They are called

coordinating conjunctions

. Sadly, nobody cares. It�s just too many syllables to remember. That being the case, I call them

short linkers

. Thankfully, there are only seven of them.

THE SHORT LINKERS ARE:





For And Nor But Or Yet So

Note that if you arrange these guys right, the first letters spell "fanboys."

Rule

When two independent clauses are joined by a short linker, put a comma in front of that linker. However, sometimes independent clauses are joined by longer linking words.

Example:

Some students can remember the coordinating conjunctions; however, others can only remember their favorite pizza toppings

(The linking word is "however." Note that a semicolon precedes it and a comma follows it.)

Example:

Grading tests is depressing; consequently, some teachers drink heavily before doing it.

(Again, note the semicolon before the linking word and the comma after it.)

These long linking words are called

conjunctive adverbs

. Once again, most folks can�t remember that and don�t care to. That being the case, I call them "

long linkers

."

Some common long linkers are:

Consequently Therefore However Nevertheless Thus Hence Henceforth In fact

Example:

I can recite lists of coordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs any time of the day or night; therefore, I am idolized by my students

(Again, note the semicolon before the long linker and the comma after.)

Rule

When two independent clauses are joined by a long linker, put a semicolon in front of that linker and a comma behind it. There is a third way to punctuate compound sentences.

Example:

To study math is a treat; to study grammar is a thrill.

(Note the absence of a linking word and the use of a semicolon.)

Example:

I like to read; my wife likes to talk.

(Again, note the use of a semicolon.)

Rule

Two independent clauses may be linked only by a semicolon.

Helpful Hint

When only a semicolon is used to link independent clauses, make sure the clauses are thoroughly parallel in structure and word choice.

Example:

October days are often beautiful; November days often aren�t.

(Note that these clauses contain the same verbs ("are") and the same subjects ("days"). They also contain the adverb "often." These create symmetry and justify the use of a semicolon.)

Let�s shift gears for a moment and consider some common errors.

THE FOLLOWING ARE MISTAKES.

DON�T DO THESE THINGS

Example:

Math is a pain grammar is worse.

(Note the absence of a linking word and punctuation.) The example above is a fused sentence . A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are smooshed together with no punctuation and no linking word. Example: Math is a pain, grammar is worse. (This is a little better. At least we have something between the independent clauses, but it�s not enough.) The example above is a comma splice . A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with a comma but no linking word. Example:

Math is a pain and grammar is worse.

(Now we have a linking word but no punctuation.)

The example above is a

run-on

. A

run-on

occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with a linking word but no punctuation.

Warning:

Some folks (mainly those with degrees in grammatical pickiness) are intent upon identifying the above errors precisely. In truth (please don�t tell anybody), I just call them all run-ons and forget about it. Doing so frees up more space in my brain to remember baseball statistics.

A Final Word of Caution:

Remember that everything we�ve said above applies only to independent clauses

. "Short linkers" and "long linkers" often occur in other contexts.

Example:

We learn some lessons in the classroom and others in the dorm.

(Note the absence of a comma before "and." It doesn�t link independent clauses, so we don�t put a comma in front of it.)

Dorm lessons, however, can be just as useful as classroom lessons.

(We don�t have a semicolon before "however" because it isn�t linking independent clauses.)