Run-on Sentences

Definition

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined together without the correct punctuation or conjunction. This lack of proper separation can make sentences confusing and difficult to understand, which is why it's important to distinguish between simple, compound, and complex sentences to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences can be corrected by using punctuation such as periods or semicolons to separate independent clauses.
2. Adding coordinating conjunctions like 'and' or 'but' with a comma before them can also fix run-on sentences.
3. Complex sentences help avoid run-on sentences by incorporating dependent clauses that add information without creating confusion.
4. Common mistakes leading to run-on sentences include overusing commas or neglecting to use conjunctions altogether.
5. Recognizing run-on sentences is crucial for improving overall writing clarity and ensuring that each idea is conveyed effectively.

Review Questions

• How can identifying independent clauses help in correcting run-on sentences?
  • Identifying independent clauses is essential for correcting run-on sentences because these clauses represent complete thoughts that need proper punctuation or conjunctions to be separated. By recognizing where one thought ends and another begins, you can effectively use punctuation marks like periods or semicolons. This understanding allows for clearer communication in writing by preventing confusion caused by lengthy, unpunctuated statements.
• Discuss the role of coordinating conjunctions in preventing run-on sentences and provide examples.
  • Coordinating conjunctions play a vital role in preventing run-on sentences by linking independent clauses in a way that maintains sentence clarity. For example, instead of writing 'I went to the store I bought milk,' you could correct it to 'I went to the store, and I bought milk.' The conjunction 'and,' along with a comma, helps the reader understand that these are two related but separate thoughts, thus improving the overall readability of the sentence.
• Evaluate the significance of using subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences as a strategy against run-on sentences.
  • Using subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences is significant because it allows writers to combine ideas more fluidly without risking run-on constructions. By introducing dependent clauses with words like 'although' or 'because,' writers can add depth to their statements while ensuring each clause is appropriately linked to an independent clause. This technique not only enhances the sophistication of writing but also avoids the confusion associated with multiple independent clauses crammed together without proper punctuation.

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.

Coordinating Conjunction: A word used to connect two or more independent clauses, commonly represented by the acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Subordinating Conjunction: A word that introduces a dependent clause and connects it to an independent clause, indicating a relationship such as cause and effect or contrast.