Run-on sentence
A run-on sentence is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses (that is, complete sentences) are joined with no punctuation or conjunction. It is generally considered to be a grammatical error. Some grammarians also include a comma splice, in which two independent clauses are joined with a comma, as a type of run-on sentence [1], while others exclude comma splices from the definition of a run-on sentence. [2] [3]
A run-on sentence does not mean a sentence is too long; longer sentences are likely to be run-ons only when they contain more than one complete idea. A run-on sentence can be as short as four words—for instance: I drive she walks. Here you have two complete ideas (independent clauses): two subjects paired with two (intransitive) verbs. So long as clauses are punctuated appropriately, a writer can assemble multiple independent clauses in a single sentence; in fact, a properly constructed sentence can be extended indefinitely.
Examples
- It is nearly half past five we cannot reach town before dark.
(a run-on sentence, with no punctuation or conjunction between "five" and "we".)
- It is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark.
(A comma splice, considered a form of run-on sentence.)
Ways to avoid run-on sentences
- Write the two clauses as two separate sentences:
- It is nearly half past five. We cannot reach town before dark.
- Henry Whopper was a teller of tall tales. He even told them to his teachers.
- Insert a coordinating conjunction (such as "and" or "but") after the comma:
- It is nearly half past five, so we cannot reach town before dark.
- Henry Whopper was a teller of tall tales, and he even told them to his teachers.
- Insert a semicolon between the clauses:
- It is nearly half past five; we cannot reach town before dark.
- Henry Whopper was a teller of tall tales; he even told them to his teachers.
- Insert a semicolon and a transitional word between the clauses:
- It is nearly half past five; therefore, we cannot reach town before dark.
- Henry Whopper was a teller of tall tales; in fact, he even told them to his teachers.
- Insert a colon (if the relationship of the second clause clarifies, defines, exemplifies the first clause):
- No man is an island: we all need to be a part of some community.
- The magician's talents were never disputed: every performance in his career ended with a standing ovation.
(Some examples adapted from the online 1918 edition of The Elements of Style.)
External links
- Run-on Sentences, Comma Splices
- The Elements of Style: full text of Strunk's 1918 edition
References
- ^ "Run-on Sentences, Comma Splices". Retrieved 2008-01-24.
{{cite web}}: line feed character in|title=at position 18 (help) - ^ "Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused Sentences". 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2008-01-24.
- ^ Hairston, Maxine; Ruszkiewicz, John J.; Friend, Christy (1998), The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers (5th ed.), New York: Longman, p. 509
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