Run-on sentence
A run-on is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses (i.e., complete sentences) are joined without an appropriate punctuation or conjunction. For example:
It is nearly half past five we cannot reach town before dark.[1]
Although this is generally considered a stylistic error, it is occasionally used in literature and may be used as a rhetorical device.
Example
Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined without using a coordinating conjunction (i.e., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or correct punctuation (i.e., semicolon, dash, or period).[2][3]
A run-on sentence can be as short as four words, for instance I drive she walks. In this case, there are two subjects paired with two intransitive verbs. An imperative sentence can be a run-on even if it only has two words, for instance "Run walk". However, with correct punctuation a writer can assemble multiple independent clauses in a single sentence. A properly constructed sentence can be extended indefinitely.
While some sources view comma splices as a form of run-on sentence,[3] others limit the term to independent clauses that are joined without punctuation.[2][4]
Correction
There are several ways to correct a run-on sentence.
- Insert a semicolon or dash:
- It is nearly half past five; we cannot reach town before dark.
- It is nearly half past five—we cannot reach town before dark.
- Write the two clauses as two separate sentences (Note: this may disconnect related independent clauses and cause some of the meaning to be lost):
- It is nearly half past five. We cannot reach town before dark.
- Insert a coordinating conjunction with a comma:
- It is nearly half past five, so we cannot reach town before dark.
- It is nearly half past five, and we cannot reach town before dark.
- In British English, there would be no comma before the word and (i.e., It is nearly half past five and we cannot reach town before dark.)
- Make one clause dependent on the other:
- Because it is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark.
- It is nearly half past five, which means we cannot reach town before dark.
Literature
Although the run-on sentence is considered grammatically incorrect, there are numerous examples of its use in literature.
- The short story ""Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman" is known for its use of improper grammar, one example of which is a paragraph about jelly beans composed almost entirely of run-on sentences
- James Joyce's novel Ulysses comprises streams of consciousness that often take the form of long and unpunctuated run-on sentences, particularly the final chapter "Penelope".
See also
References
- ↑ Examples adapted from the online public-domain 1918 edition of The Elements of Style.
- 1 2 Berry, Chris; Brizee, Allen (2006-08-31). "Run-ons – Comma Splices – Fused Sentences". Retrieved 2008-01-24.
- 1 2 "Run-on Sentences, Comma Splices". Retrieved 2008-01-24.
- ↑ Hairston, Maxine; Ruszkiewicz, John J.; Friend, Christy (1998). "The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers" (5th ed.). New York: Longman: 509.