Run-on sentences happen whenever two or three independent clauses need to be properly joined. (We have discussed clauses in the Text Parts of the sentence.) One run-on type you’ve probably heard about is the comma splice, in which two clauses are joined with the use of a comma but without connecting conjunction (and or and, or. ).
What is a Run-on Sentence?
A run-on sentence is poor grammar. It occurs when two independent clauses (also known as primary clauses) are joined incorrectly.
If they are correctly connected, several independent clauses can only be found in the sentence. To ensure that clauses are appropriately combined, proper conjunctions, punctuation, or correct punctuation should be included in the sentence.
Although they are called that, they have nothing to do with length. The sentences that run on can be very brief in reality. The only thing that can determine an adverbial run-on is when multiple independent clauses occur without the right tools to join them.
Let’s take a look at some examples of run-on sentences.
Selecting a topic to write a paper on is often the most challenging aspect, but it becomes much easier once you have done the initial.
In some cases, the books don’t provide the most accurate information. It is recommended to seek out articles in periodicals that are specialized.
Each of them has two separate clauses. Each clause must be distinguished from one another by a comma, a semicolon or semicolon, an apostrophe and a coordinating conjunction:
Selecting a topic to write an essay on can be the most challenging step, but it will become much easier once you have done the initial.
Sometimes, the books need to provide the most accurate details; searching for special periodicals is recommended.
Comma splices explained
A comma is a situation where the use of a comma joins two different phrases (complete sentences)—for example, this sentence.
e.g. I’m drinking lots of coffee, for instance, because I was up late the night before.
Although the concepts in the sentence above are somewhat related to the content, each clause is distinct. This is a comma splice.
Fixing comma splices
There are several options to fix comma splices if they happen. In the example above, you can correct the issue with the following methods:
Replacing the comma using terminal punctuation
Since the clauses on either side of the Comma splice differ, The mistake can be rectified simply by replacing the “comma” with an apostrophe or semicolon.
e.g. I’m drinking lots of coffee right now. I was up late the night before.
e.g. I’m drinking lots of coffee this morning as I was up way late the night before.
Example #1 is referred to as a fused phrase. It means that two distinct clauses are merged without punctuation.
Example 2 is referred to as a comma splice. This is when two separate clauses need to be joined correctly with an apostrophe.
Check out two more examples below. Are you able to tell which is fused and which one is a comma Splice?
Example 1: When we looked, the children jumped onto the trampoline.
Example 2 A family of foxes occupied the space beneath our shed. The Foxes would play in the backyard.
How to fix Run-on Sentences
There are three methods to deal with run-on sentences: We could connect them with a conjunction, separate the sentences using a period or connect them with a semicolon.
Let’s examine the run-on sentence in the first portion of this class:
I’m able to run five miles. This was hard for me.
There are three options to address this sentence:
Use a conjunction to join the sentences.
I could run for five miles, even though this was a struggle.
Separate the sentences with the help of a period.
I’m able to run 5 miles. It was a challenge for me.
Make use of a semicolon to demonstrate an apparent connection between two sentences.
I can run 5 miles, but this was previously a struggle.
Incomplete Run-On Sentences
Run-on sentences lack punctuation or coordination conjunctions, or both.
a. Coordinating Conjunctions
To join two phrases (independent clauses), you typically must use the coordinating conjunction. The coordinating word, such as “and,” works like connecting clauses. The seven most commonly used coordinating conjunctions are nevertheless, or and but.
Sally got up early and was late for school and missed her bus.
Additionally, it is essential to remember that this isn’t an adverb but a coordinating conjunction. When you mix clauses independently you require a connecting phrase (like and) before that:
Sally took breakfast, and later she went to school.
B. Punctuation
In run-on sentences, it is common to miss essential punctuation marks like Semicolons and commas.
Commas
Commas (,) are essential punctuation marks which tell that we should pause the sentence. They also aid in separating concepts and are a significant issue with sentences that run on in that they don’t have a comma(s) and therefore continue “running through” without stopping. If you are using an apostrophe to stop an unfinished sentence, it will appear after a coordinating conjunction, for example:
Sally attended soccer training, while Sam went to the maths club.
Fixing Run-on Sentences
Which one of them is a run-on sentence? Because the run-on sentence is grammatically incorrect, it must be rectified. In the following paragraphs, I’ll explain how to fix a run-on phrase.
Add End Punctuation
Run-on sentence practice based on the kind of clauses which are improperly joined in run-on sentences punctuation at the end could be used to distinguish both clauses. In general, a period can be used.
Example:
Then I woke up. I had breakfast.
Correct, I awoke. I had breakfast.
In the present, the two clauses work as distinct sentences.
Why are Run-on Sentences a Problem?
The run-on sentences can distract viewers in various ways.
The first thing to consider is that readers who know the boundaries of a sentence will be able to spot the error and may be temporarily distracted from the message.
The second reason is that a run-on sentence may make it difficult for readers to comprehend how your thoughts connect. For instance, take an examination of the following run-on sentences:
I was awed by the Avengers film. It was a great movie with an insane quantity of action.
When we examine the possibilities for fixing this sentence that is running on it becomes clear that the correct solution depends on the intended meaning of the writer:
I was awed by the Avengers film even though it featured an unimaginably high quantity of action. (Here, the writer adored the film despite the outrageous action.)
I enjoyed the Avengers movie due to the insane number of scenes. (Here, the ridiculous amount of action is why the writer was awed by the film.)