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

 
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== 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 ==
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