Run-on sentence

Definition

A run-on sentence is a sentence that improperly connects two or more independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, resulting in confusion for the reader. This type of sentence can disrupt the flow of writing and make it difficult to follow the intended meaning. Understanding run-on sentences is crucial for mastering effective sentence structures and punctuation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Run-on sentences often lead to misunderstandings because they lack clear separation between thoughts.
2. They can occur in various forms, including comma splices and fused sentences, where independent clauses are placed next to each other without any punctuation.
3. One way to correct a run-on sentence is by using a period to separate the independent clauses into distinct sentences.
4. Another option for correcting run-ons is to use a semicolon, which links closely related independent clauses while maintaining clarity.
5. In academic writing, avoiding run-on sentences is essential for ensuring clarity and effective communication of ideas.

Review Questions

• What strategies can be employed to revise a run-on sentence and improve clarity in writing?
  • To revise a run-on sentence, one can use several strategies to enhance clarity. First, separating the independent clauses into distinct sentences by using periods helps create clear, standalone thoughts. Alternatively, using a semicolon can effectively link closely related clauses while maintaining their independence. Finally, incorporating coordinating conjunctions with appropriate punctuation offers another way to join these ideas smoothly.
• How does understanding run-on sentences relate to the proper use of commas and semicolons in writing?
  • Understanding run-on sentences directly impacts the proper use of commas and semicolons because these punctuation marks play a vital role in clarifying sentence structure. Commas can sometimes lead to comma splices when misused between independent clauses, which creates confusion. Semicolons, on the other hand, serve as effective tools for linking closely related independent clauses without creating run-ons. Mastering these punctuation rules helps writers avoid common errors and enhances overall sentence clarity.
• Analyze the potential effects of run-on sentences on reader comprehension and overall writing quality.
  • Run-on sentences can significantly hinder reader comprehension by obscuring the intended message and making it difficult to identify key ideas within the text. When sentences are overloaded with information without proper punctuation or conjunctions, readers may become frustrated or confused. This lack of clarity not only impacts individual understanding but can also diminish the overall quality of writing, leading to ineffective communication and potentially undermining the writer's credibility. Addressing run-on sentences is crucial for achieving clear and polished prose.

Related terms

Independent Clause:

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

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

Coordinating Conjunction: A word that connects two independent clauses, such as 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet'.