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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
Avoiding Run-on Sentences The length of a sentence has nothing to do with whether or not a sentence is considered a run-on. An over-exuberant, run-off-at-the-mouth, 400-word gorilla of a sentence can be structurally fine. A  run-on sentence  is one in which two  clauses  have been connected incorrectly. (If youd like, click on the word clauses to review that concept.)
Avoiding Run-on Sentences Lets think of an independent clause as an independently operated train headed west . . .   getting connected to another train headed east. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night ,  they are probably wrong. Nothing but grief will result from coupling these train clauses incorrectly!  For example. . . .
Avoiding Run-on Sentences Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night ,  they are probably wrong. This is an example of the dreaded  COMMA SPLICE ! A comma splice connects two independent clauses with  only  a comma. There are several ways to fix a comma splice. . . .
Avoiding Run-on Sentences 1. We can insert a period and start a new sentence. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night . T hey  are probably wrong. 2. We can insert a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night , but   they are probably wrong. 3. We can use a semicolon. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night ;   they are probably wrong.
Avoiding Run-on Sentences Three Run-on Traps There are three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen: 1.  When a pronoun in the second  clause refers to a noun in the first clause:   The Presidents popularity has plummeted, she apparently underestimated the opposition. 2.  When a suggestion or directive occurs in the second clause:   You will be responsible for this material on the final exam, study it thoroughly now. 3.  When two clauses are connected by a transitional expression:   Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices, however, the opposite is actually true.
Avoiding Run-on Sentences Freeing Trapped Run-ons 1.   The Presidents popularity has plummeted , and  she   apparently underestimated the opposition. 2.   You will be responsible for this material on the final exam . Study  it thoroughly now. 3.   Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices ; however,  the opposite is actually true.
Avoiding Run-on Sentences Now youll never again write a run-on sentence!
This PowerPoint presentation was created by  Charles Darling, PhD Professor of English and Webmaster Capital Community College Hartford, Connecticut copyright November 1999

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Run ons

  • 2. Avoiding Run-on Sentences The length of a sentence has nothing to do with whether or not a sentence is considered a run-on. An over-exuberant, run-off-at-the-mouth, 400-word gorilla of a sentence can be structurally fine. A run-on sentence is one in which two clauses have been connected incorrectly. (If youd like, click on the word clauses to review that concept.)
  • 3. Avoiding Run-on Sentences Lets think of an independent clause as an independently operated train headed west . . . getting connected to another train headed east. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night , they are probably wrong. Nothing but grief will result from coupling these train clauses incorrectly! For example. . . .
  • 4. Avoiding Run-on Sentences Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night , they are probably wrong. This is an example of the dreaded COMMA SPLICE ! A comma splice connects two independent clauses with only a comma. There are several ways to fix a comma splice. . . .
  • 5. Avoiding Run-on Sentences 1. We can insert a period and start a new sentence. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night . T hey are probably wrong. 2. We can insert a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night , but they are probably wrong. 3. We can use a semicolon. Some students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night ; they are probably wrong.
  • 6. Avoiding Run-on Sentences Three Run-on Traps There are three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen: 1. When a pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun in the first clause: The Presidents popularity has plummeted, she apparently underestimated the opposition. 2. When a suggestion or directive occurs in the second clause: You will be responsible for this material on the final exam, study it thoroughly now. 3. When two clauses are connected by a transitional expression: Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices, however, the opposite is actually true.
  • 7. Avoiding Run-on Sentences Freeing Trapped Run-ons 1. The Presidents popularity has plummeted , and she apparently underestimated the opposition. 2. You will be responsible for this material on the final exam . Study it thoroughly now. 3. Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices ; however, the opposite is actually true.
  • 8. Avoiding Run-on Sentences Now youll never again write a run-on sentence!
  • 9. This PowerPoint presentation was created by Charles Darling, PhD Professor of English and Webmaster Capital Community College Hartford, Connecticut copyright November 1999