Run-On Sentences

1

Run-On Sentences

2

Agenda

• Definition• Review: Dependent and Independent

Clauses• Run-On Sentences Happen When…• Revising Run-On Sentences• Revising Clauses

3

Dependent and Independent Clauses• Independent Clauses are sentences in

themselves.

• Dependent Clauses are incomplete sentences. They usually start with a transition word.

Independent Clause

I can solve this problem.

Dependent Clause

She asked me to help because I can solve this problem.

4

Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence consists of two or more independent clauses that are connected without proper punctuation.

WINDOWS is not the best operating system it’s the most popular.

WINDOWS is not the best operating system ; it’s the most popular.

independent clause 1 independent clause 2No punctuation!

Correct!

5

1. an independent clause gives a directive based on what was said in the previous independent clause.

This next software release contains many complex features , we should start analyzing them in advance.

Run-On Sentences Happen When…

independent clause 1

independent clause 2

A commais not enough!

This next software release contains many complex features ; we should start analyzing them in advance.

Correct!

6

Run-On Sentences Happen When…

2. two independent clauses are connected by a transitional expression such as however, moreover, nevertheless.

IP is very effective for data transmission , however, it is not as reliable for transmitting real-time voice.

A commais not enough!

IP is very effective for data transmission ; however, it is not as reliable for transmitting real-time voice.

Correct!

7

Run-On Sentences Happen When…

3. the second of two independent clauses contains a pronoun that connects it to the first independent clause.

This product does not make sense , it does not meet the required specifications.

A commais not enough!

This product does not make sense ; it does not meet the required specifications.

Correct!

8

Corrected: This is not such an elegant solution. Still, the team sees no alternative.

1. separate the independent clauses into distinct sentences.

Run-on: This is not such an elegant solution, still, the team sees no alternative.

Revising Run-on Sentences : .

9

Corrected: This is not such an elegant solution; still, the team sees no alternative.

2. Connect the independent clauses with a semicolon

Run-on: This is not such an elegant solution, still, the team sees no alternative.

Revising Run-on Sentences : ;

10

Corrected: This is not such an elegant solution, but the team sees no alternative.

3. Connect the independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS!)

Run-on: This is not such an elegant solution, still, the team sees no alternative.

Revising Run-on Sentences :

11

Corrected: Although this is not such an elegant solution, the team sees no alternative.

4. Connect the independent clauses with a subordinating conjunction.

Run-on: This is not such an elegant solution, still, the team sees no alternative.

Revising Run-on Sentences :

12

Corrected: Despite this less-than elegant solution, the team sees no alternative.

5. Turn one of the independent clauses into a modifier.

Run-on: This is not such an elegant solution, still, the team sees no alternative.

Revising Run-on Sentences :

13

More Information

We often speak in run-on sentences, but we make suitable pauses and change our tone so that the listener can understand us. But since no one can hear us when we write, we have to avoid run-ons so that the sentences sound meaningful.

References[1] http://210.59.120.142/asp1/sophomore/frgmentTest.htm[2] http://cctc2.commnet.edu/sensen/part2/nine/run_ons_avoiding.html[3] http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm[4] http://ace.acadiau.ca/english/grammar/runon.htm

14

Run-On Sentences: Quiz Please take the Run-On Sentences Quiz on

WebCT now.