Run-on sentence

Definition

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This grammatical error can confuse readers, as it fails to clearly separate distinct ideas, making the writing less effective and harder to follow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences can make writing unclear and difficult to understand, as they often combine unrelated thoughts without adequate separation.
2. There are two main types of run-on sentences: fused sentences, which have no punctuation between clauses, and comma splices, which incorrectly use a comma to connect independent clauses.
3. To correct a run-on sentence, you can use a period to separate the clauses into distinct sentences, add a coordinating conjunction with a comma, or replace the comma with a semicolon if the ideas are closely related.
4. Consistent run-on sentences may signal to readers that the writer has not fully developed their ideas or lacks clarity in their thoughts.
5. Effective editing involves identifying run-on sentences and applying the appropriate corrections to improve the overall readability and structure of the writing.

Review Questions

• What strategies can be employed to identify and fix run-on sentences in your writing?
  • To identify run-on sentences, read your writing aloud and listen for places where ideas seem jumbled together. Look for independent clauses that are not properly connected. Common strategies to fix them include using periods to create separate sentences, adding coordinating conjunctions with commas, or using semicolons for closely related independent clauses. Regular practice in editing your work will help you become better at spotting these errors.
• Discuss how run-on sentences might affect the clarity and effectiveness of news articles.
  • Run-on sentences can significantly hinder the clarity of news articles by blurring distinct points and confusing readers. Since news writing should be concise and straightforward, excessive use of run-on sentences can distract from the core message and lead to misunderstandings. Clear and precise language is essential in newswriting to ensure that readers can quickly grasp important information without getting lost in convoluted sentence structures.
• Evaluate the impact of eliminating run-on sentences on the overall quality of written communication in journalism.
  • Eliminating run-on sentences greatly enhances the quality of written communication in journalism by promoting clarity, coherence, and professionalism. When sentences are well-structured and free from grammatical errors, readers can easily follow the narrative and engage with the content. This attention to detail not only reflects well on the writer but also builds trust with the audience, as it demonstrates a commitment to clear communication. As journalists strive for accuracy and impact in their reporting, avoiding run-on sentences is crucial for maintaining credibility and effectively conveying news stories.

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 where two independent clauses are joined by just a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

compound sentence: A sentence that combines two or more independent clauses, typically connected by coordinating conjunctions or punctuation such as a semicolon.