Run-on sentences

Definition

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are improperly connected without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, leading to a lack of clarity in writing. These sentences can make it difficult for readers to follow the writer's intended message, often resulting in confusion. Proper editing and proofreading are essential to identify and correct run-on sentences to enhance clarity and maintain conciseness in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences can confuse readers by combining multiple ideas without proper separation, making it hard to discern the main point.
2. They often occur when writers try to convey too much information in one sentence, which can lead to overly complex constructions.
3. Common strategies to fix run-on sentences include breaking them into separate sentences, using semicolons, or adding conjunctions.
4. Proofreading is crucial for identifying run-on sentences; reading aloud can help spot where ideas may be improperly joined.
5. Using concise language helps prevent run-on sentences, allowing writers to express their thoughts clearly and effectively.

Review Questions

• How do run-on sentences affect the clarity and effectiveness of writing?
  • Run-on sentences negatively impact clarity by combining multiple independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, which can confuse readers. When ideas are jumbled together, the intended message may get lost or misinterpreted. This reduces the overall effectiveness of the writing, making it harder for readers to engage with the content and understand the main points being communicated.
• What methods can be employed during editing to correct run-on sentences and enhance the overall quality of writing?
  • During editing, writers can correct run-on sentences by breaking them into shorter, clearer sentences, using semicolons to connect related independent clauses, or adding coordinating conjunctions like 'and' or 'but.' It's also helpful to rephrase the sentence for better flow. These methods not only fix run-on sentences but also contribute to improved readability and coherence in the writing.
• Evaluate the importance of proofreading in identifying and correcting run-on sentences in written work.
  • Proofreading plays a vital role in identifying and correcting run-on sentences because it provides an opportunity to review the writing critically before finalizing it. By reading through the text slowly and carefully, writers can spot areas where multiple ideas are improperly combined, leading to confusion. Effective proofreading ensures that all sentences are clear and concise, enhancing overall communication and allowing the writer's voice to shine through without distractions caused by grammatical errors.

Related terms

Independent Clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb, expressing a complete thought.

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

Sentence Fragment: A group of words that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence, often missing a subject or verb.