Run-On Sentences: Definition, Types and Corrections
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes a fused sentence from other types of run-on sentences?

A fused sentence lacks any punctuation or conjunctions between independent clauses, unlike comma splices or polysyndeton.

Explain how using a semicolon can correct a run-on sentence.

A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses, providing a stronger connection than a period but less emphasis than a comma and coordinating conjunction.

What role do coordinating conjunctions play in preventing run-on sentences?

Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) connect independent clauses when paired with a comma, creating a compound sentence instead of a run-on.

Describe a situation where dividing a run-on sentence into multiple separate sentences is the most effective solution.

<p>When the clauses are lengthy or cover distinct ideas, separating them into individual sentences improves clarity and readability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does subordinating one clause in a run-on sentence correct the error?

<p>Subordinating one clause transforms it into a dependent clause, creating a complex sentence with a clear relationship between the ideas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a comma splice, and why is it considered a type of run-on sentence?

<p>A comma splice is when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, without a coordinating conjunction, which is incorrect because it doesn't provide a strong enough separation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how transitional expressions can sometimes lead to comma splices.

<p>Transitional expressions (e.g., 'however,' 'therefore') require a semicolon before them when connecting independent clauses, not just a comma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does polysyndeton contribute to a run-on sentence?

<p>Polysyndeton, the excessive use of conjunctions, can create a rambling sentence that overwhelms the reader.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the four primary methods for correcting run-on sentences.

<p>Using a period, using a semicolon, using a comma with a coordinating conjunction, and using a subordinating conjunction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid run-on sentences in academic writing?

<p>Run-on sentences can cause confusion and make your writing unclear. Avoiding them will make your work more credible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sentence, 'The dog barked loudly the mailman ran away,' is an example of what type of run-on sentence?

<p>Fused sentence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how adding a comma and the word 'and' would correct the following run-on sentence: 'The sun was setting the birds flew to their nests.'

<p>Adding a comma and 'and' creates a compound sentence by correctly joining two independent clauses with appropriate punctuation and a coordinating conjunction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What punctuation mark is best to use when two independent clauses are closely related and you want to show that relationship in a single sentence?

<p>Semicolon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can subordinating conjunctions like 'because' or 'although' fix a run-on sentence?

<p>They turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause, creating a complex sentence with one main idea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the error in the following sentence: 'She went to the store, she bought milk.'

<p>Comma splice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how a semicolon with a transitional expression (e.g., 'however') can correct a comma splice.

<p>The semicolon separates the independent clauses, and the transitional expression clarifies the relationship between them, followed by a comma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary problem with using polysyndeton in writing?

<p>It can make the sentence sound repetitive and cumbersome, obscuring the main point.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why simply adding more commas is not a solution for a fused sentence.

<p>Commas alone are insufficient to separate independent clauses; fused sentences require stronger punctuation or conjunctions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is it most appropriate to correct a run-on sentence by dividing it into multiple shorter sentences?

<p>When the original sentence contains multiple complex ideas that are difficult to follow in a single sentence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the function of the independent clause in a sentence.

<p>An independent clause is a group of words that contain a subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Correct this run-on sentence using a comma and a coordinating conjunction: 'I love to read novels they transport me to other worlds.'

<p>I love to read novels, for they transport me to other worlds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rewrite this run-on sentence using a semicolon: 'The rain was pouring down the game was cancelled.'

<p>The rain was pouring down; the game was cancelled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of sentence is 'Because it was raining, we stayed inside' and how does it differ from a run-on?

<p>It is a complex sentence because it contains a dependent clause ('Because it was raining') and an independent clause ('we stayed inside'). It is not a run-on because the dependent clause is correctly joined to the independent clause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify and correct the error in the following sentence: 'She is a talented musician however she struggles with performance anxiety.'

<p>The error is a comma splice. Correction: She is a talented musician; however, she struggles with performance anxiety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a sentence demonstrating polysyndeton and then rewrite it to eliminate the issue.

<p>Example (polysyndeton): 'We went to the beach and we swam and we built sandcastles and we ate ice cream.' Rewritten: 'We went to the beach. We swam, built sandcastles, and ate ice cream.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a Run-On Sentence?

Two or more clauses joined improperly.

What is a Comma Splice?

Occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma.

What is a Fused Sentence?

Joins two or more clauses without any punctuation.

What is Polysyndeton?

Uses too many conjunctions than necessary.

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How to Fix: Run-On Sentences

Split into two sentences using a period.

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How to Fix: Run-On Sentences

Insert a semicolon between independent clauses.

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How to Fix: Run-On Sentences

Use a comma with 'and', 'but', or 'or'.

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How to Fix: Run-On Sentences

Turn one clause dependent using 'because' or 'although'.

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Independent Clause

Word group that can stand alone as a sentences.

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Study Notes

  • A run-on sentence has two or more clauses joined improperly.
  • This occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete sentences) are connected incorrectly.

Joining Independent Clauses Correctly

  • Two related independent clauses can be joined using a semicolon.
  • An independent clause can be made dependent by using a coordinating conjunction.

Types of Run-On Sentences

  • Comma Splice: Two independent clauses joined with just a comma.
  • Fused Sentence: Joins two or more clauses without any punctuation.
  • Polysyndeton: A sentence that uses too many conjunctions.

Correcting Run-On Sentences by Dividing Clauses

  • Divide the clauses into two sentences, capitalizing the first letter and using a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
  • Fused Sentence Example: "Mary likes dogs she has a beagle" can be corrected to "Mary likes dogs; she has a beagle" or "Mary likes dogs. She has a beagle."
  • This also works with longer sentence.

Correcting Run-On Sentences with Semicolons

  • Comma Splice Example: "Kelly likes to cook, she makes chicken every day" is a comma splice.
  • Corrected: "Kelly likes to cook; she makes chicken every day."
  • The semicolon establishes a close relationship between the two sentences.

Correcting Run-On Sentences by Reducing Conjunction Usage

  • Polysyndeton Example: "We went to the park and we ate dinner and we got ice cream and when it got dark we chased fireflies."
  • Corrected: "We went to the park. Then, we ate dinner and got ice cream. When it got dark, we chased fireflies."
  • Divide the statement into separate sentences with punctuation.

Methods to Correct Run-On Sentences

  • Use a period to split into smaller sentences.
  • Use a semicolon to create a grammatically correct sentence.
  • Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or) to emphasize the relationship between clauses.
  • Use a subordinating conjunction (because, unless, although) to turn one clause into a dependent clause and improve flow.

Run-On Sentences: The Problem

  • A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are not joined correctly.
  • Independent clause: a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.
  • Writing may be confusing or unclear if independent clauses are joined incorrectly.
  • Two types of run-on sentences: fused sentences and comma splices

Run-On Sentences: The Solution

  • Revise run-on sentences in one of four ways.
  • Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or, nor, for). Place a comma before the coordinating conjunction.
  • Use a semicolon (or, in some cases, a colon or a dash). Use a semicolon alone or with a transitional expression (e.g., however, at any rate, in contrast, as a result, etc.).
  • Separate the independent clauses into sentences. Especially good technique when one of the independent clauses is very long.
  • Restructure the sentence by subordinating one of the clauses. Subordinate a clause if one of the independent clauses seems less important than the other.

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Description

Learn to identify and correct run-on sentences. Understand comma splices, fused sentences, and polysyndeton. Fix run-ons by dividing clauses or using semicolons.

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