Run-on sentences

Definition

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This often leads to confusion for readers, as the ideas become jumbled and difficult to follow. Recognizing run-on sentences is essential for clear writing, as it helps improve sentence structure and readability, which are crucial during the drafting and revising process, as well as in editing and proofreading stages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences can often be fixed by adding a period, semicolon, or conjunction between the independent clauses.
2. They can confuse readers because they often combine too many ideas without proper separation, making it hard to understand the main point.
3. Recognizing run-on sentences is an important skill during the drafting phase to ensure clarity and coherence in writing.
4. In editing and proofreading, identifying run-on sentences helps writers refine their work and enhance its overall quality.
5. Using varied sentence structures, including complex sentences, can help avoid run-ons and improve the flow of writing.

Review Questions

• How do run-on sentences affect the clarity of writing during the drafting process?
  • Run-on sentences significantly impact clarity because they combine multiple independent ideas without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This jumbling of thoughts can confuse readers, making it difficult to grasp the main idea or follow the writer's argument. Therefore, identifying run-on sentences during drafting is crucial for creating clear and coherent writing that effectively communicates its message.
• What strategies can be employed in editing and proofreading to correct run-on sentences?
  • During editing and proofreading, writers can correct run-on sentences by implementing several strategies such as inserting appropriate punctuation like periods or semicolons, or by adding coordinating conjunctions to connect independent clauses. Additionally, rewriting run-ons into separate sentences or utilizing complex sentence structures can enhance clarity. These corrections help ensure that the final piece is polished and comprehensible for readers.
• Evaluate the relationship between run-on sentences and overall writing effectiveness in terms of audience engagement.
  • The presence of run-on sentences can detract from overall writing effectiveness by creating confusion and reducing audience engagement. When readers encounter lengthy, convoluted sentences filled with multiple ideas, they may struggle to remain focused on the content. This disconnect can lead to frustration and disengagement. On the other hand, clear and well-structured sentences foster a better connection with readers, keeping them interested and facilitating a smoother understanding of the writer's message.

Related terms

Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, capable of standing alone as a sentence.

Comma Splice: A specific type of run-on sentence that occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Complex Sentence: A sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, providing more detail and variety in sentence structure.