What is a “run-on” sentence?: Difference between revisions

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Run-on sentences, also known as "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).  


Run-on sentences come in two types: the comma splice and the fused sentence. When two independent clauses are connected by a comma, this run-on is called a [[What is a “comma splice”?|comma splice]] (Hult 721).
Two types of run on sentences:


: '''Comma splice''': I purchased most of what I needed at the store, they were out of milk.
: '''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).


'''Example:'''
I purchased most of what I needed at the store, they were out of bread.
: '''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).


: '''Fused''': I purchased most of what I needed at the store they were out of milk.
'''Examples:'''  
I purchased most of what I needed at the store they were out of bread.


A run-on can be a short sentence, such as, "Nothing is on television I should turn it off." Just because a sentence is long, though, does not necessarily make it a run-on.
A run-on can be a short sentence, such as, "Nothing is on television I should turn it off." Just because a sentence is long, though, does not necessarily make it a run-on.
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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 milk.
: 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 milk.
: 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 milk.
: 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 milk.
: 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 milk.
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store. They were out of bread.


== Links ==
== Links ==
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