Run-on sentences

Definition

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. This grammatical error can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity in writing, making it essential to identify and correct them during the editing and proofreading process to enhance the overall quality of written communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences can often be identified by their length and lack of proper punctuation between independent clauses.
2. They can make writing difficult to follow, leading readers to misunderstand the intended meaning.
3. To fix a run-on sentence, you can use a period to separate the clauses into distinct sentences, or use a semicolon or coordinating conjunction to connect them properly.
4. Common coordinating conjunctions used to fix run-on sentences include 'and,' 'but,' 'or,' 'nor,' 'for,' 'so,' and 'yet.'
5. Proofreading is essential in identifying run-on sentences, as they can easily slip through unnoticed during initial writing.

Review Questions

• How can recognizing run-on sentences improve the clarity of written work?
  • Recognizing run-on sentences is crucial for improving clarity because these errors can confuse readers and obscure the writer's intended message. By identifying these issues during editing and proofreading, writers can restructure their sentences, ensuring that each independent clause is properly punctuated or connected. This attention to detail not only enhances readability but also strengthens the overall quality of the writing.
• What are some effective strategies for correcting run-on sentences in writing?
  • Effective strategies for correcting run-on sentences include breaking them into separate sentences, using semicolons to connect closely related independent clauses, and incorporating coordinating conjunctions. For example, instead of saying 'I love reading I have many books,' one could revise it to 'I love reading; I have many books' or 'I love reading, and I have many books.' Implementing these strategies helps maintain clear communication and improves the flow of ideas.
• Evaluate the impact of run-on sentences on reader comprehension and engagement in various types of writing.
  • Run-on sentences can significantly affect reader comprehension and engagement by creating confusion and disrupting the natural flow of ideas. In academic writing or formal communication, the presence of run-ons can diminish the perceived professionalism of the text, leading readers to disengage. Conversely, well-structured sentences foster clarity and keep readers interested, making it essential for writers across all genres to be vigilant about avoiding run-on constructions in their work.

Related terms

Independent Clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb, and 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: An incomplete sentence that lacks an independent clause, often missing a subject or verb, which can confuse readers.