1. Sentence Blending: This refers to the unintentional mixing of two or more sentences, resulting in a grammatically incorrect but potentially humorous statement. This often happens in casual conversation, especially when people are tired or distracted.
Example: "I went to the store to buy milk. I needed some bread." Blended sentence: "I went to the store to buy milk and I needed some bread."
2. Sentence Combining: This refers to the deliberate process of combining two or more simple sentences into a more complex sentence. This is a common technique used in writing to create more concise and interesting prose.
Example: "The dog barked loudly. It ran towards the door." Combined sentence: "The dog barked loudly, running towards the door."
3. Sentence Fragment: This is a phrase that is punctuated as a sentence but lacks a subject or verb, or both. It can sometimes be used intentionally for effect, but usually indicates a grammatical error.
Example: "Running down the street."
4. Run-on Sentence: This is a sentence with two or more independent clauses joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Example: "I went to the store I bought some milk I came home."
It's important to clarify the context in which you encountered the term "blended sentence" to understand its specific meaning.