Run-on sentences

Definition

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This often leads to confusion for the reader, as the ideas become tangled and difficult to follow. Understanding run-on sentences is crucial for mastering grammar and mechanics, as they highlight the importance of clarity and structure in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences can make writing confusing because they fail to separate distinct thoughts, leading to unclear communication.
2. There are two main types of run-on sentences: comma splices and fused sentences, each resulting from different punctuation errors.
3. Correcting run-on sentences often involves adding punctuation, such as periods or semicolons, or using coordinating conjunctions to connect ideas appropriately.
4. Effective writing requires an understanding of run-on sentences because they detract from the clarity and flow of a text.
5. Run-on sentences can sometimes occur intentionally in literary writing to create a certain rhythm or emotional effect, but they should generally be avoided in formal writing.

Review Questions

• How can identifying run-on sentences improve overall writing skills?
  • Identifying run-on sentences is essential for improving writing skills because it helps writers recognize the importance of clear communication. By spotting these errors, writers learn how to effectively separate their thoughts using proper punctuation or conjunctions. This understanding not only enhances the clarity of their writing but also makes it more engaging for readers.
• What are some strategies for correcting run-on sentences in written work?
  • Correcting run-on sentences involves several strategies, such as breaking them into separate sentences, using a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses, or adding coordinating conjunctions with a comma. Additionally, rephrasing parts of the sentence may help clarify the meaning. Applying these strategies not only corrects the error but also improves the overall flow and coherence of the writing.
• Evaluate the impact of run-on sentences on reader comprehension and writer credibility.
  • Run-on sentences significantly impact reader comprehension by obscuring the intended meaning and causing confusion about the relationships between ideas. When a writer fails to properly structure their sentences, it may lead readers to question the writer's credibility and mastery of language. Clear and concise writing enhances both understanding and trust, making it essential for writers to avoid run-on sentences in order to effectively convey their messages.

Related terms

Independent clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, able to stand alone as a sentence.

Comma splice: A specific type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are joined by only a comma, without a coordinating conjunction.

Fused sentence: Another type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation at all.