Runons

Run-on Sentences Writing Center Workshop

The Sentence Definition: A sentence is a complete thought, usually containing at least one or more independent clauses, beginning with a capital letter and ending with a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point. An independent clause is a cluster of words that contains a subject and a predicate and that can “stand alone.”

Run-on Sentences Definition: A run-on sentence is punctuating and putting together two or more sentences as if they were one. There are two basic types of run-on sentences: 1. Fused Sentence 2. Comma Splice

Fused Sentences ◗

Definition: In fused sentences, two or more independent clauses “run together” with no punctuation. Independent Clause

◗

Example: The boy ate his dinner his sister played quietly in the corner.

Independent Clause

Independent Clause

Train analogy (above): The train cars are run together without any coupling devices.

Comma Splices ◗

Definition: In comma splices, two or more independent clauses are joined by a comma only. Independent Clause

,

◗

Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner.

Independent Clause

,

Independent Clause

Train analogy (above): The train cars are joined together with inadequate coupling devices.

The Most Common Comma Splice Error The most common comma splice error is the conjunctive adverb comma splice. Common conjunctive adverbs: again, also, besides, consequently, further, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, likewise, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, then, therefore, thus

Conjunctive Adverb Comma Splice ◗

Rule: When joining independent clauses, the conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semi-colon and followed by a comma.

◗

◗

Example of Error: The boy ate his dinner, however, his sister played quietly in the corner. Correction: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.

Five Basic Ways of Correcting a Run-on Sentence ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗

Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction Semi-colon Period and Capital Letter Subordinate Clauses Conjunctive Adverb

Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction ◗ ◗

Rule: Determine the independent clauses. If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet).

◗

Example: The boy ate his dinner, but his sister played quietly in the corner.

Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction ◗

◗

Rule: If there are more than two independent clauses in a series, separate the final two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Note that independent clauses other than the final two are separated with commas.

◗

Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner, and his mother worked on the “spill” the children had made.

Semi-colon Rule: Determine the ◗ Example: The boy independent clauses. ate his dinner; the sister played ◗ Separate those two or more independent quietly in the corner. clauses with a semicolon. ◗

Period and Capital Letter ◗ ◗

◗

Rule: Determine the independent clauses. Separate those two or more independent clauses with a period. Then begin the following independent clause with a capital letter.

◗

Example: The boy ate dinner. The sister played quietly in the corner.

Subordinate Clauses Rule: Determine if ◗ Example: While the one or more of the boy ate dinner, the independent clauses sister played can be subordinated. quietly in the corner. ◗ If so, subordinate those clauses. ◗

Conjunctive Adverb ◗ ◗

Rule: Determine the independent clauses. If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a semi-colon, conjunctive adverb, and comma.

◗

Example: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.

Exceptions to the Rules* ◗

◗ Example: He came, Exception: Short, closely related he saw, he independent clauses conquered. in a sequence can be joined by a comma only.

* These exceptions are rare.

Exceptions to the Rules* ◗

Exception: If the second of two independent clauses reverses the negative emphasis of the first, these clauses can be joined with a comma.

* These exceptions are rare.

◗

Example: That day I did not swim, I sold real estate.

Exceptions to the Rules* ◗

Exception: If the second independent clause is a “tag” question, a comma may be used between the clauses. * These exceptions are rare.

◗

Example: He does, doesn’t he?

References ◗

The Random House Handbook, Fourth Edition, was used as a source for compiling definitions.