In this lesson I will talk about run-on sentences.
A run-on is two complete thoughts that are run together because they have no adequate punctuation given to mark the break between them. You may have also heard each complete thought called an independent clause, which is a word group that can stand alone as a sentence. When two independent clauses appear in a sentence, they must be joined in one of these ways:
-with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)
-with a semicolon (or occasionally with a colon or a dash)
Fused Sentences
When a writer puts no punctuation at all separating two complete thoughts/statements, the run-on sentence is called a fused sentence.
Example: Fused Sentence & Its Complete Statements
Test anxiety is a very real condition some symptoms are stomach cramps and headaches.
By recognizing the two independent clauses (complete statements) in the fused sentence you can prevent run-ons in your writing.
Complete Statement 1- Test anxiety is a very real condition.
Complete Statement 2- Some symptoms are stomach cramps and headaches.
Now you try: Locate the two independent clauses in this fused sentence below.
Gestures are a means of communication for everyone they are essential for the hearing-impaired.
Here are two ways to correct fused sentences:
1.You can divide the fused sentence into two separate sentences: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone. They are essential for the hearing-impaired.
2.Connect the two complete thoughts by adding a comma. Then placing a joining word (coordinating conjunction) after the comma. Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, and they are essential for the hearing-impaired.
Comma Splices
Another type of run-on sentence is the comma splice. A comma splice happens when two or more independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. A comma alone is not enough to break between complete statements.
Example: Comma Splice & Its Complete Statements
Kevin was always nervous about tests, his grades were usually the highest in the class.
Complete Statement 1- Kevin was always nervous about tests.
Complete Statement 2- His grades were usually the highest in the class.
Here are three ways to correct comma splices:
1.You can divide the comma splice into two separate sentences. This is shown above when the comma splice was divided into two individual and complete statements/sentences.
2.Connect the two complete thoughts by placing a joining word (coordinating conjunction) after the comma. Kevin was always nervous about tests, but his grades were usually the highest in the class.
3.Use subordination (add a dependent word to one of the complete thoughts): Kevin was always nervous about tests although his grades were usually the highest in the class.
Practice
Now practice what you’ve learned. Write two possible corrections for each of the run-on sentences below, and identify which kind of run-on sentence you are correcting for each.
1. My alarm clock never went off, I was late for work.
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2. Prices were high at the concession stand the lines were long as well.
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3. The paramedic asked where I was hurt, as soon as I motioned toward my pain, he cut up the leg of my favorite pair of jeans.
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* There is one more way to fix a run-on sentence. Use a semi-colon (or, if appropriate, a colon or a dash). A semicolon can be used alone; it can be accompanied by a transitional expression.
Example: Using a semicolon
Gestures are a means of communication for everyone; they are essential for the hearing impaired.
Or
Gestures are a means of communication for everyone; however they are essential for the hearing impaired.
