Run-on sentence

Run-on sentence
A run-on is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses (i.e., complete sentences) are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction. It is generally considered a stylistic error, though it is occasionally used in literature and may be used as a rhetorical device. An example of a run-on is a comma splice, in which two independent clauses are joined with a comma without an accompanying coordinating conjunction.[1][2] Some prescriptivists exclude comma splices from the definition of a run-on sentence,[3] but this does not imply that they consider comma splices to be acceptable. The mere fact that a sentence is long does not make it a run-on sentence; sentences are run-ons only when they contain more than one independent clause. A run-on sentence can be as short as four wordsfor instance: I drive she walks. In this case there are two independent clauses: two subjects paired with two intransitive verbs. So as long as clauses are punctuated appropriately, a writer can assemble multiple independent clauses in a single sentence; in fact, a properly constructed sentence can be extended indefinitely.

Examples
A run-on sentence, without any punctuation or conjunction between "gas" and "we": My car is out of gas we cannot reach town before dark. A comma splice, which is considered a run-on sentence in English by some usage experts: It is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark.

Remedies
Use separate sentences. However, 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. Use a semicolon. This maintains the connection between the clauses while ensuring a pause between the two ideas: It is nearly half past five; we cannot reach town before dark. Use a coordinating conjunction with a comma. It is nearly half past five, so we cannot reach town before dark.

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.

References
a run on is a sentence with independent and dependent clauses

Article Sources and Contributors

Article Sources and Contributors

Run-on sentence Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=552173335 Contributors: ARandomFilipino, Adam McMaster, AlexChurchill, Allens, Amax777, Arthena, Artic726, Auzdafluff, BillyRamirez, Caesura, CaptainLepton, Ccrrccrr, Christian75, Chuck Carroll, Cntras, CrookedAsterisk, Cst17, Daniel913, Dave.Dunford, David ekstrand, Delldot, Desmond71, Donner60, Dr.queso, EaterOfCheese, Elassint, Enric Naval, Epbr123, Ettrig, Eyebullets, Graham87, GregorB, Hairy Dude, Happy pyromaniac, Hinto, HumphreyW, II MusLiM HyBRiD II, Igoldste, ImranAlso, Iridescent, JDiPierro, JamesAM, Jayen466, Jc iindyysgvxc, Je VH, Jmajeremy, Jncraton, JoeGS, John Vandenberg, Katsarekool, Kbdank71, Kidlittle, Kransky, L Kensington, Lensovet, Leon7, Lightmouse, M1ss1ontomars2k4, Madkayaker, Manfromnz, Marcus Qwertyus, Matt Deres, McGeddon, MegA, Mhkay, Miss Madeline, Mrt3366, Murmuration, Nemo bis, NerdyScienceDude, Nick Wilson, Nightscream, Noommos, NurseryRhyme, O.Koslowski, Paul Erik, Phonetagger, Pinethicket, Polemyx, RJaguar3, Ravanous, Ravedave, Reliableforever, Repku, Rjanag, Ronhjones, Rwell3471, Scarrie3, Sceptre, Schalliol, SchuminWeb, Scienceandhonor, Seaphoto, Smyth, Softlavender, Superjoe30, Synook, Sysrpl, The Anome, The Thing That Should Not Be, Thegreenj, Theopolisme, Theskyling, Tide rolls, TimBuchheim, Titodutta, Tolly4bolly, Wagino 20100516, Wikipelli, Wsiegmund, XP1, Xezbeth, Yngvadottir, 201 anonymous edits

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