Run-on sentence

Definition

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. This results in a confusing and grammatically incorrect sentence that can hinder clarity and comprehension. Recognizing and correcting run-on sentences is essential for effective writing, as it helps maintain the flow and structure of ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences often make writing difficult to understand because they can convey multiple ideas at once without proper separation.
2. To correct a run-on sentence, you can use punctuation such as periods, semicolons, or commas with coordinating conjunctions to separate independent clauses.
3. Common indicators of a run-on sentence include the lack of appropriate punctuation and the presence of multiple independent clauses crammed together.
4. Writers should aim for clarity and readability by avoiding run-on sentences, as they disrupt the flow and can confuse readers about the intended meaning.
5. Identifying run-on sentences is crucial during the editing process since they can often be overlooked in the initial drafting phase.

Review Questions

• What strategies can you use to identify and correct run-on sentences in your writing?
  • To identify run-on sentences, look for instances where multiple independent clauses are present without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Strategies to correct them include breaking the sentence into separate sentences, using semicolons for closely related ideas, or adding coordinating conjunctions with commas. This approach improves clarity and enhances the overall readability of your writing.
• How does the presence of run-on sentences impact the overall clarity and effectiveness of written communication?
  • Run-on sentences significantly affect clarity by merging multiple ideas into one confusing statement. This can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations by the reader. Effective written communication relies on clear sentence structure; therefore, eliminating run-on sentences enhances comprehension and ensures that each idea is conveyed distinctly.
• Evaluate the importance of recognizing run-on sentences in academic writing and its implications for effective communication.
  • Recognizing run-on sentences in academic writing is essential because it directly impacts the quality and clarity of arguments presented. Academic work demands precision and coherence; thus, run-ons can obscure key points and weaken the writer's credibility. By addressing this grammatical issue, writers improve their communication skills, ensuring that their analyses are understood clearly and persuasively by their audience.

Related terms

Independent Clause: An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, expressing a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence.

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

Coordinating Conjunction: A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance; common examples include 'and,' 'but,' 'or,' 'nor,' 'for,' 'so,' and 'yet.'