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.)