Run on Sentence | All You Need to Know about Run-On Sentence

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Run on Sentence: A sentence in which two or more Independent Clauses are joined without proper conjunction or punctuation is called Run-On sentences, or when two or more complete independent sentences are connected without any punctuation mark can also be known as Run-On sentences. These Run-On Sentences can be as short as those words, or it could be as long as it has 2 subjects and actions.

A sentence which is made up of two or more Independent clauses (a standalone sentence or with another independent clause) using improper conjunction (To link thoughts and ideas within a sentence) or punctuation (to express the meaning of our sentences clearly and to make the flow of the text smooth) is known as Run-On Sentence.

This difficult concept usually blocks writers’ minds and makes it difficult to understand the actual meaning correctly. People usually think that a Run-On Sentence is something like a lengthy sentence, and it is a misconception.

In one compound sentence, we can mix multiple related concepts. It will be hard to work on Run-on sentences if you aren’t familiar enough with Syntax (a set of rules, principles, and processes that preside over the structuring of sentences in any given language) and a punctuation mark.

Run-on Sentence

What is A Run-on Sentence?

A Run-on Sentence is formed when two main clauses are joined together with the wrong punctuation and conjunction. In the sentence, one can mix Clauses, proper punctuation or conjunction. If the two or more Independent clauses are mixed, then it is a sentence.

As if one hears the word “Run-on Sentences”, people usually think it is related to length, but it is not. Many Run-on Sentences are found short in English. Suppose you want to define the Run-on Sentence. In that case, you can only define it as a sentence is formed using two independent clauses without proper punctuation and conjunction joining these independent clauses.

Run-on Sentence Examples

I love to sing songs I would sing daily if I had time.

In the above sentence, there are a total of two independent clauses:

  • Sentence 1: I love to sing songs.
  • Sentence 2: I would sing daily if I had time.

There is one typical form of a Run-on Sentence, and it is named a comma splice. When using a comma and no conjunction, the main clauses are connected, known as a commsplicesce.

Examples of a Comma Splice

Kylie Jenner is not a doctor, she is a businesswoman.

  • Sentence 1: Kylie Jenner is not a doctor.
  • Sentence 2: she is a businesswoman.

To form a compound sentence, we can connect to independent clauses using a comma to create a complete sentence. A comma splice can exist when there is a need to use a transitional expression in between a sentence.

Correcting Run-On Sentences

By mixing the main clauses correctly, we can address sentences. There are many ways to join main independent clauses in Run-On Sentences, and they are as follows:

Use A Comma And A Conjunction

One can pair a comma with coordinating conjunction like “and,” “our,” “but”, and this is also one of the ways to fix a run-on sentence. Examples: I love to sing songs, and I would sing daily if I had time.

Use a Semicolon

One can also use Semicolons between two main independent clauses in Run-On Sentences. When you want to connect or show that two independent main Clauses are connected closely or for a stylistic choice, then one can use Semicolons for Run-On Sentences. Example: I love to sing songs; I would sing daily if I had time.

Use of a Period

Using a full stop, you can break Run-On Sentences into small sentences is the most convenient way for Run-On Sentences. And this rule is used primarily for lengthy sentences, and you can’t use this rule for short sentences. Example: I love to sing songs. I would sing daily if I had time.

Use a Subordinating Conjunction

In this, you have to convert one of the independent clauses into a dependent Clause. To form a complex sentence, subordinating conjunction is used to join two clauses. This strategy is used to connect two clauses and increase the flow of the two parts of the sentence. Example: Because I love to sing songs, I would sing daily if I had time.

How To Find A Run-On Sentence?

Suppose you want to find any run-on sentence or not, then find any more than one independent clause available in the same sentence without punctuation. You’ll also find run-on sentences. If there are two subjects and it is mentioned about whom or for what the sentence is formed or else they have mentioned about the one subject of a sentence and its pronoun, they should not be separated with proper punctuation.

I swam across the water. It was very dangerous. (two independent clauses)

I ran across the water. It was very dangerous. (fixed with proper punctuation)

Always be careful with run-on sentences and comma splices, and do not try to turn these run-on sentences into a comma splice. When you are using a single comma for separating two independent clauses, an error comes out, and it is a comma splice. Using a single comma, you cannot fix a run-on sentence.

What are the Three Types of Run-on Sentences?

Comma splices, fused sentences, and polysyndetons are the three types of Run-on Sentences. Instead of a Semicolon, When a comma joins two sentences or independent clauses, you can use comma splice. When you crash two independent clauses without any punctuation, you can take the help of fused sentences. When you are overusing the conjunction to join the independent clauses together, then you can use polysyndetons.

Let’s have a basic knowledge and understanding regarding the Three Types of Run-on Sentences:

  • comma splices
  • fused sentences
  • polysyndetons

Comma Splices

When two complete thoughts are joined using a comma, the sentences formed are called Comma Splices. The sentence should be without the punctuation mark. We can split these into two sentences, or the comma used instead of a Semicolon.

Anas loves football games, he asks to play every day. (INCORRECT)

Anas loves the football game. He asks to play every day. (CORRECT)

Anas loves football games; he asks to play every day. (CORRECT)

Fused Sentences

The most common type of Run-on Sentences is Fused Sentences. Because in these Fused Sentences, two independent clauses run together without proper punctuation.

(INCORRECT)

The day was sunny and bright. It was easy to see the road through all the way.

(CORRECT)

The day was sunny and bright. It was easy to see the road through all the way.

(CORRECT)

The day was dark and bright, and it was easy to see the road through all the way.

(CORRECT)

The day was dark and bright; it was easy to see the road through all the way.

Polysyndeton

When too many conjunctions connect thoughts, then it is a Polysyndeton. They are usually very lengthy, and it isn’t easy to follow and understand them throughout.

Zoya told her boyfriend to come forward to help the orphanage, and all his friends came, and they all brought rupees, and they donated to an orphanage. They played video games, and they made a mess with the orphanage children’s and everyone helped her clean it up, and it was a long and productive day. (INCORRECT)

Zoya told her boyfriend to come forward to help the orphanage. All his friends came, and they all brought rupees, and they donated to an orphanage. Later, they played video games. They made a mess, and everyone helped her clean it up. It was a long and productive day.

(CORRECT)

Is It Ok To Use Run-On Sentences?

If you are confused about whether the run-on sentences are a good or bad idea to use In writing. So, I’ll make it clear to my audience that it’s not at all a good idea if you are using run-on sentences in writing. When there is a need to repeat something important, these run-on sentences are used by most writers and poets, and they are also used to imitate how people talk. But usually, run-on sentences are incorrect. Using these sentences in your writing will make it very difficult for others to understand this.

This is all we can discuss Run-On Sentence in detail. We have also provided extra information here to get a clear idea about the base level understanding related to Run-On Sentence. Hope you found this an informative article, and it will help you enhance your knowledge in this field. After reading this article, you’ll understand it smoothly and will not find any more difficulties regarding this topic.

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