Run-on sentences

Definition

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This grammatical error can confuse readers and make the writing less clear, as it combines multiple thoughts without appropriate separation. Identifying and correcting run-on sentences is crucial for improving overall writing clarity and coherence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences can often be identified by looking for multiple independent clauses that are not properly connected.
2. Correcting run-on sentences typically involves using punctuation such as periods, semicolons, or coordinating conjunctions.
3. A common misconception is that longer sentences are always better; however, clarity is more important than length.
4. Using a proofreading strategy focused on sentence structure can help in identifying run-on sentences during the editing process.
5. Run-on sentences may create confusion for the reader, leading to misunderstandings about the intended message or ideas being conveyed.

Review Questions

• How can identifying run-on sentences improve overall writing quality?
  • Identifying run-on sentences is essential because it directly affects the clarity of writing. When independent clauses are improperly combined, it can confuse readers and obscure the intended message. By correcting these errors, writers can enhance readability and ensure that their ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. This attention to grammatical precision helps maintain the reader's engagement and understanding throughout the text.
• What are some strategies for avoiding run-on sentences when drafting a piece of writing?
  • To avoid run-on sentences, writers can implement several strategies during the drafting process. One effective method is to break down complex thoughts into simpler, more manageable sentences, ensuring each independent clause stands alone when necessary. Additionally, using coordinating conjunctions or punctuation like semicolons can help clarify relationships between ideas. Regularly reviewing sentence structure while writing allows authors to catch potential run-ons before finalizing their work.
• Evaluate the role of peer review in helping writers identify and correct run-on sentences in their work.
  • Peer review plays a crucial role in helping writers identify and correct run-on sentences because it provides an opportunity for fresh perspectives on the text. Reviewers may spot run-ons that the original writer overlooked, enhancing overall writing quality through collaborative feedback. Furthermore, discussing sentence structure with peers can lead to valuable insights on effective ways to convey complex ideas clearly. This interaction fosters growth as writers learn from each other’s experiences and techniques, ultimately refining their skills in avoiding grammatical errors.

Related terms

Independent Clause:

A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a complete thought.

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

Sentence Fragment: An incomplete sentence that lacks either a subject or a verb, failing to express a complete thought.