Question

how might the world be different if elements did not combine to form compounds?
the world would not exist.
the world would be almost the same as we have.
the world would be very different - life could not exist.

Explanation:

Elements combine to form compounds which are essential for life. For example, water ($H_2O$) is a compound crucial for living organisms. Without compounds, there would be no complex substances necessary for life processes. The world has a vast number of compounds that play vital roles in various aspects like biological, chemical, and physical phenomena related to life.

Answer:

The world would be very different - life could not exist.