What is a “run-on” sentence?: Difference between revisions
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Run-on sentences or "fused sentences" contain two independent clauses incorrectly joined (Hacker 200). While a [[What is a “sentence fragment”?|sentence fragment]] is an incomplete sentence, a run-on jams together two or more sentences without the correct punctuation (Faigley 579). | Run-on sentences or "fused sentences" contain two independent clauses incorrectly joined (Hacker 200). While a [[What is a “sentence fragment”?|sentence fragment]] is an incomplete sentence, a run-on jams together two or more sentences without the correct punctuation (Faigley 579). | ||
Two types of run on sentences: | Two types of run-on sentences: | ||
:'''Comma splice''': | :'''Comma splice''': | ||
When two independent clauses are connected by a comma, this run-on is called a [[What is a “comma splice”?|comma splice]] (Hult 721). | ::When two independent clauses are connected by a comma, this run-on is called a [[What is a “comma splice”?|comma splice]] (Hult 721). | ||
:::'''Example:''' | |||
::::I purchased most of what I needed at the store, they were out of bread. | |||
:'''Fused sentence''': | :'''Fused sentence''': | ||
When there is no comma, the run-on sentence is ''fused'' (Hacker 200). | ::When there is no comma, the run-on sentence is ''fused'' (Hacker 200). | ||
:::'''Examples:''' | |||
::::I purchased most of what I needed at the store they were out of bread. | |||
A run-on can be a short sentence. Just because a sentence is long, though, does not necessarily make it a run-on. | |||
''' | :'''Example:''' Nothing is on television I should turn it off. | ||
== The Rules == | == The Rules == | ||
Ways to avoid a run-on sentence: | |||
# Separate the clauses with a [[How do you use a semicolon?|semicolon]] — or a colon or dash, when appropriate (Hacker 202). | |||
# Insert a comma and a [[What are “coordinating conjunctions”?|coordinating conjunction]] between the clauses (Faigley 581). | |||
# Turn one clause into a [[What are “subordinating conjunctions”?|subordinating clause]] (Hult 722). | |||
# Make the clauses into separate sentences (Hacker 202). | |||
== Usage == | == Usage == | ||
=== Semicolon === | === Semicolon === | ||
If the clauses are equally important, use a semicolon to separate them (Hult 723). | :If the clauses are equally important, use a semicolon to separate them (Hult 723). | ||
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store; they were out of bread. | ::I purchased most of what I needed at the store; they were out of bread. | ||
A [[What are “conjunctive adverbs”?|transitional word]] might also help sentence flow and clarity (Faigley 581; Hacker 204): | :A [[What are “conjunctive adverbs”?|transitional word]] might also help sentence flow and clarity (Faigley 581; Hacker 204): | ||
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store; however, they were out of bread. | ::I purchased most of what I needed at the store; however, they were out of bread. | ||
=== Comma and Coordinating Conjunction === | === Comma and Coordinating Conjunction === | ||
The easiest, and frequently the best, way of correcting the run-on sentence is by using a comma and a coordinating conjuction. There are seven to choose from: for, and, nor, but, or, yet (Hacker 202). | :The easiest, and frequently the best, way of correcting the run-on sentence is by using a comma and a coordinating conjuction. There are seven to choose from: for, and, nor, but, or, yet (Hacker 202). | ||
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store, but they were out of bread. | ::I purchased most of what I needed at the store, but they were out of bread. | ||
=== Subordinating Clause === | === Subordinating Clause === | ||
Another option would be to subordinate one of the clauses (Hacker 205). | :Another option would be to subordinate one of the clauses (Hacker 205). | ||
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store, although they were out of bread. | ::I purchased most of what I needed at the store, although they were out of bread. | ||
=== Sentences === | === Sentences === | ||
Simply making each independent clause a sentence also easily fixes a run-on. | :Simply making each independent clause a sentence also easily fixes a run-on. | ||
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store. They were out of bread. | ::I purchased most of what I needed at the store. They were out of bread. | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
| Line 55: | Line 61: | ||
*[http://www.stevens.edu/wit/grammar/run-on_sentences.shtml Writing Instruction Tutorial] | *[http://www.stevens.edu/wit/grammar/run-on_sentences.shtml Writing Instruction Tutorial] | ||
== | == References == | ||
# Faigley, Lester. ''The Penguin Handbook.'' New York: Longman, 2003. | |||
# Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference.'' 5th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003. | |||
# Hult, Christine A. and Thomas N. Hucklin. ''The New Century Handbook.'' 3rd Ed. New York: Longman, 2005. | |||
---- | ---- | ||
Latest revision as of 23:45, 11 July 2013
Run-on sentences or "fused sentences" contain two independent clauses incorrectly joined (Hacker 200). While a sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence, a run-on jams together two or more sentences without the correct punctuation (Faigley 579).
Two types of run-on sentences:
- Comma splice:
- When two independent clauses are connected by a comma, this run-on is called a comma splice (Hult 721).
- Example:
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store, they were out of bread.
- Example:
- Fused sentence:
- When there is no comma, the run-on sentence is fused (Hacker 200).
- Examples:
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store they were out of bread.
- Examples:
A run-on can be a short sentence. Just because a sentence is long, though, does not necessarily make it a run-on.
- Example: Nothing is on television I should turn it off.
The Rules
Ways to avoid a run-on sentence:
- Separate the clauses with a semicolon — or a colon or dash, when appropriate (Hacker 202).
- Insert a comma and a coordinating conjunction between the clauses (Faigley 581).
- Turn one clause into a subordinating clause (Hult 722).
- Make the clauses into separate sentences (Hacker 202).
Usage
Semicolon
- If the clauses are equally important, use a semicolon to separate them (Hult 723).
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store; they were out of bread.
- A transitional word might also help sentence flow and clarity (Faigley 581; Hacker 204):
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store; however, they were out of bread.
Comma and Coordinating Conjunction
- The easiest, and frequently the best, way of correcting the run-on sentence is by using a comma and a coordinating conjuction. There are seven to choose from: for, and, nor, but, or, yet (Hacker 202).
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store, but they were out of bread.
Subordinating Clause
- Another option would be to subordinate one of the clauses (Hacker 205).
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store, although they were out of bread.
Sentences
- Simply making each independent clause a sentence also easily fixes a run-on.
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store. They were out of bread.
Links
References
- Faigley, Lester. The Penguin Handbook. New York: Longman, 2003.
- Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 5th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003.
- Hult, Christine A. and Thomas N. Hucklin. The New Century Handbook. 3rd Ed. New York: Longman, 2005.