What is a run on sentence?

12 Sep 2010

From INDEX to The Guide to Grammar and Writing in the section on Run-on sentences, Comma Splices:

A RUN-ON SENTENCE (sometimes called a "fused sentence") has at least two parts, either one of which can stand by itself (in other words, two independent clauses), but the two parts have been smooshed together instead of being properly connected. Review, also, the section which describes Things That Can Happen Between Two Independent Clauses.

It is important to realize that the length of a sentence really has nothing to do with whether a sentence is a run-on or not; being a run-on is a structural flaw that can plague even a very short sentence:

The sun is high, put on some sunblock.

An extremely long sentence, on the other hand, might be a "run-off-at-the-mouth" sentence, but it can be otherwise sound, structurally. Click here to see a 239-word sentence that is a perfectly fine sentence (structurally)

When two independent clauses are connected by only a comma, they constitute a run-on sentence that is called a comma-splice. The example just above (about the sunscreen) is a comma-splice. When you use a comma to connect two independent clauses, it must be accompanied by a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so).

The sun is high, so put on some sunscreen.

Read more at the links provided above.

12 Sep 2010

I often write my first draft as if I am telling it; which is completely incorrect. I find on editing that I cut most of my sentences in half, as it is more concise to have a statement complete.

Then, upon reading it out loud after the edits, it sounds so much better than the first draft.

And then, sometimes, a sentence just needs to have a period to end the damn thing.

Van

12 Sep 2010

I use run-on sentences occasionally, I am always aware of doing it though. ;-)

~ Rascal

Maggie R

12 Sep 2010

Quote by magnificent1rascal
I use run-on sentences occasionally, I am always aware of doing it though. ;-)

~ Rascal

Smooth move, smarty pants.

So, wanna hit me with a seriously mind busting exageratedly long and potentially run on sentence, up with which I will not put?? kekekegay

12 Sep 2010

Quote by VanGogh

I often write my first draft as if I am telling it; which is completely incorrect. I find on editing that I cut most of my sentences in half, as it is more concise to have a statement complete.

Then, upon reading it out loud after the edits, it sounds so much better than the first draft.

And then, sometimes, a sentence just needs to have a period to end the damn thing.

Van

Van, you know that a first draft is just that, and needs editing and correcting, and you make the effort to do so - thank you!

And yes, sometimes a sentence needs to be ended, but a lot of the time, people don't know it.

12 Sep 2010

Useful post Gypsy. I have the urge to write a run-on sentence now with an oh so sexy comma splice in there, but I won't.

13 Sep 2010

Quote by gypsymoth
So, wanna hit me with a seriously mind busting exageratedly long and potentially run on sentence, up with which I will not put??

Please note: The following should not be read by anyone who has, recently recovered from, or feels susceptible to getting a headache.

Yea verily, 'tis a lofty challenge to be faced early on a Monday morning before the caffeine has had a chance to take effect, but as I am intrigued, amused and, I daresay, beguiled by such a test, I shall accept the gauntlet you have thrown down and will duly take up the effort to craft a sentence that will twist and turn, leading the reader hither and yon (or perhaps even to and fro) and will become exasperatingly difficult to follow while remaining grammatically correct to the greatest extent possible; let me begin by admitting that for many a year, I have used incorrect terminology, labeling "run-off-at-the-mouth" sentences such as this one as "run-on" sentences – in fact, I know of an award given periodically that will need to be renamed in light of this revelation – although I believe an argument could be made in support of the "run-on" moniker being considered appropriate for sentences of improbable verbosity because it is likely that any such sentence, by virtue of its inordinate length, will include at least one grammatical or structural error, if not several; however, it should be noted that, as I compose this in Microsoft Word, no red type or squiggly underlines are screaming at me that I’ve made a mistake (but, of course, it might be that the grammar-checker hasn’t caught up with me, or it is still trying to figure out what award will have to be renamed), and as I have now long surpassed the 239-word example, I will consider this 282-word entry – something up with which you will, indeed, have to put – ready to be submitted for your approval and I ask you: How did I do?

~ Rascal wave

Maggie R

13 Sep 2010

According to I Write Like, the above entry, which shan't be quoted again, is in the style of "weird fiction" writer H.P. Lovecraft.

~ Rascal

Maggie R

13 Sep 2010

I try not to do it when I'm hand writing my rough draft. If I do my rough draft on my laptop, I print out what I've written and go into editor mode, complete with red pen. What also helps me is not being too wordy in my sentences, something I'm guilty of.

www.szadvntures.com

Latest story:

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Bump in the Night-Microfiction
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15 Sep 2010

Quote by magnificent1rascal

How did I do?

~ Rascal

You did brilliantly; I do believe you left me speechless. hello1

I'd say it was masterful, but perhaps in the case of a woman writing it, it should be mistressful? Accomplished with womanly expertise?

Oh look! I guess I wasn't quite so speechless afterall, although it was a rather feeble effort.

evil4

15 Sep 2010

Quote by LadySharon
I try not to do it when I'm hand writing my rough draft. If I do my rough draft on my laptop, I print out what I've written and go into editor mode, complete with red pen. What also helps me is not being too wordy in my sentences, something I'm guilty of.

Do you often hand write your drafts, Sharon?

15 Sep 2010

Quote by nicola
Useful post Gypsy. I have the urge to write a run-on sentence now with an oh so sexy comma splice in there, but I won't.

Oh come on, Nicola! Give into that urge and use a sexy comma splice!

happy8

15 Sep 2010

Quote by gypsymoth
I'd say it was masterful, but perhaps in the case of a woman writing it, it should be mistressful? Accomplished with womanly expertise?

Perhaps I should change my signature...what do you think?

~ Rascal, Domina of Disquisition laughing9

Maggie R