run-on sentence

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run-on sentence

A student corrects a run-on sentence on the chalkboard.

Definition

Noun: A run-on sentence is a grammatical error that occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences) are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or a coordinating conjunction.

Usage

A run-on sentence is considered a stylistic and grammatical fault in formal writing. It creates confusion by fusing complete ideas together without clear separation. The term is used to identify and correct this specific error.

Examples
  • The library was closed we went to the cafe instead. (Incorrect - This is a run-on sentence.)
  • Her presentation was excellent it impressed everyone in the room. (Incorrect - This is a run-on sentence.)
  • The teacher marked the long, confusing passage as a run-on sentence that needed to be revised.
Advanced Usage
  • Comma Splice: A specific, common type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, which is insufficient. For example: "It's raining, I'll take an umbrella." This is still classified as a run-on sentence.
  • Fused Sentence: Another type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation or conjunction at all. For example: "The sun set we started a fire."
Variants and Related Words
  • Sentence Fragment (n): The opposite grammatical error; an incomplete sentence that cannot stand alone.
  • Independent Clause (n): A group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought; the core unit incorrectly joined in a run-on.
Synonyms
  • Fused sentence
  • Comma splice (a specific subtype)
How to Correct a Run-On Sentence
  1. Use a period: Separate the clauses into two distinct sentences.
    • Run-on: The movie was long it was also boring.
    • Correct: The movie was long. It was also boring.
  2. Use a semicolon: Join closely related independent clauses.
    • Correct: The movie was long; it was also boring.
  3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so):
    • Correct: The movie was long, and it was also boring.
  4. Use a subordinating conjunction (because, although, when, if, etc.) to make one clause dependent:
    • Correct: The movie was boring because it was so long.
run-on sentence

A student corrects a run-on sentence on the chalkboard.

Noun
  1. an ungrammatical sentence in which two or more independent clauses are conjoined without a conjunction