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Grammar is something most people try to avoid. We know what we know but are not sure why. In the US, we are often first exposed to grammar by our seventh grade English teacher and at the age of 12 or 13, it is very hard to focus on anything, let along commas and semi-colons.
In a previous article, I discussed the problem with fragmented sentences. In this article, I will explain the problem with run-on sentences and show you how to correct them.
Sentence Run-ons
What is a run-on? People sometimes call a very long, compound sentence that may have several thoughts, a run-on but it often isn’t. A run-on is simply two full sentences that have been connected incorrectly. Remember, a basic sentence (independent clause) has a Subject, a Verb, and sometimes an Object.
Why do people often write run-on sentences? In my experience, I have noticed that people write fragments for three reasons:
- They want their writing to flow smoothly from one idea to the next and thus string ideas together with commas. Run-ons seem to sound better than a series of short, choppy sentences or a chain of ands.
- They feel that a sentence should be a certain length and they keep it going until it has reached that length.
- They enjoy using formal-sounding transitional expressions like therefore, however, and moreover and confuse these words with coordinating conjunctions meaning the same thing (so, but, and).
| Is it a Run-on?: |
Here’s a simple test to determine if your sentence is a fragment. |
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Ask yourself: |
Does the sentence contain two sentences? If no, then it’s OK
If yes: |
Are the sentences joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or..) If yes, then it’s OK
If no: |
Are the sentences joined with a semicolon? If yes, then it’s OK
If no, then it is a run-on sentence. Revise it.
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Correcting Run-ons:
Once you have identified a run-on sentence, there are several ways to correct it:
- Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential for the hearing impaired.
These are two complete sentences that have been joined with just a comma. A classic run-on.
Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, but they are essential for the hearing impaired.
- Use a semicolon.
Tragedy depicts the individual confronted with the fact of death, comedy depicts the adaptability and ongoing survival of human society.
Again, two sentences connected with just a comma. A semi-colon acts just like a period and must have a full sentence on each side.
Tragedy depicts the individual confronted with the fact of death; comedy depicts the adaptability and ongoing survival of human society.
- Make the clauses into separate sentences.
Why should we spend money on expensive space exploration, we have enough under-funded programs here on earth.
Because the two clauses are full sentences, you can just end them with normal sentence ending punctuation.
Why should we spend money on expensive space exploration?
We have enough under-funded programs here on earth.
- Restructure the sentence, perhaps by subordinating one of the clauses.
Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential for the hearing impaired.
Try making one of the sentences into a dependent clause and attaching it to the main sentence.
Gestures Although gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential for the hearing impaired.
Please email me your ideas or thoughts at LisaM@rgilearning.com and I can address them in a future article.
Online instruction on how to write effective letters, email, reports and proposals is available at www.rgilearning.com © 2006, RGI Learning
Lisa Moretto is the President of RGI Learning, Inc. For 15 years she has helped engineers improve their oral and written communication skills. Visit www.rgilearning.com or call (585) 461-3617 to learn about RGI's courses.
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