A run-on sentence (aka. fused sentence) is a sentence which joins two or more independent clauses without a conjunction or an appropriate punctuation. Comma splice, which joins two independent clauses with a comma, is a type of run-on sentence.
A run-on sentence is a grammatically incorrect sentence. A sentence can be a run-on sentence if it falls under the above criteria, no matter whether it is a short sentence or a long one.
Examples of run-on sentences:
1. Mary laughed, she went inside. (X: comma-splice error)
2. Mary laughed she went inside. (X)
3. Mary won the race, however, she paid a very high price for that. (X)
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How to avoid run-on sentences?
a. Find out if your sentences have two separate subjects and two separate verbs (excluding auxiliary)?
b. Find out if your sentences have two independent clauses joined by a comma.
How to fix run-on sentences?
a. Place a period between the two independent clauses. (Start a new sentence).
Run-on: Mary laughed she went outside.
Correction: Mary laughed. She went inside.
b. Place a semi-colon between the two independent clauses.
Run-on: Mary laughed she went outside.
Correction: Mary laughed. She went inside.
c. Place a comma and a subordinating conjunction between the two independent clauses
Run-on: Mary laughed she went outside.
Correction: Mary laughed, and she went inside.
d. Place a colon between the two independent clauses if the relationship of the second clarifies the first.
Run-on: Mary laughed she went outside.
Correction: Mary is our neighbor: she lives right next to us.
e. Place a semi-colon or start a new sentence before the transitional expressions: the conjunctive adverbs, such as however, moreover, nevertheless.
Run-on: Mary won the race, however, she paid a very high price for that.
Correction: Mary won the race; however, she paid a very high price for that.
f. Adding dependent word.
Run-on: Mary bought a new car it was priced at $7,000.
Correction: Mary bought a new car which was priced at $7,000.
g. Reduce one independent clause to a verbal or verbal phrase.
Run-on: I woke up early, I went for a walk.
Correction: Waking up early, I went for a walk.
** 版權所有 - Elisa
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