What causes a run-on sentence?

What causes a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected improperly. One common type of run-on sentence is a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.

Is a run-on sentence a grammatical error?

Run-on sentences join two or more complete sentences with no punctuation. Therefore, we cannot merge them into one sentence without separating them somehow. When you read sentences, try to be aware of the independent clauses.

What are the two common causes of a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence is a common error caused by merging two sentences without suitable punctuation. The most common run-on sentence is the “comma splice” (also known as the “comma fault”), which occurs when two sentences are inappropriately separated by a comma.

What are the three types of run-on sentences?

The three types of run-on sentences are comma splices, fused sentences, and polysyndetons. First, comma splices occur when a comma joins two independent clauses instead of a semicolon. Secondly, fused sentences crash two independent clauses together without any punctuation.

What are four ways to fix a run-on sentence?

There are four main ways to fix a run-on sentence:

1. Separate the two clauses with a period.
2. Separate the clauses with a semi-colon.
3. Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction. (e.g. and, but, or, for, yet, nor, so) to separate the clauses.
4. Use a subordinating conjunction.

Can a run-on sentence have a comma?

The first occurs when a writer puts no mark of punctuation and no coordinating conjunction between independent clauses. The second is called a comma splice, which occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined by just a comma and no coordinating conjunction….Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices.

Subject	Predicate	Sentence
Lola	sings.	Lola sings.

How do you fix a comma splice sentence?

Five Ways to Fix a Run-on or Comma Splice

1. Add a period and a capital letter. Add a period and a capital letter to separate the sentences.
2. Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
3. Add a semicolon.
4. Add a “transitional word”
5. Add a subordinating conjunction.

What’s a comma splice example?

When you join two independent clauses with a comma and no conjunction, it’s called a comma splice. Some people consider this a type of run-on sentence, while other people think of it as a punctuation error. Here’s an example of a comma splice: Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials.

How do you find a comma splice?

A comma splice, also called a run-on, occurs when a writer has connected two main clauses with a comma alone. A main clause provides a complete thought, so readers should not find a wimpy comma struggling to join two such powerful clauses. This is the error: Main Clause + , + Main Clause.

How do I know if I need a comma?

1. Commas don’t just signify pauses in a sentence — precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark.
2. Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives.
3. The Oxford comma reduces ambiguity in lists.

How do I punctuate this sentence?

How to punctuate

1. Separate danglers with a comma.
2. If you can, use a period instead of a comma.
3. In a list, use a comma before the final “and”
4. Use a comma before introducing a question.
5. Don’t use a comma to represent vocal pauses.
6. Don’t use ellipses.
7. Avoid semicolons.
8. Only use colons for standalone sentences.

What are some examples of semicolons?

Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.

How do semicolons work?

Semicolons with independent clauses Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Semicolons should not be used between a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Which sentences use a semicolon correctly?

4. Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs. When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently.

How do you use semicolons in a sentence?

Semicolons Separate Clauses Here’s an example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight. The two clauses in that sentence are separated by a semicolon and could be sentences on their own if you put a period between them instead: I have a big test tomorrow.

How do you use semicolons in a list?

Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas. There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.

When listing Do you use a comma or semicolon?

It is usual to use commas to separate the items in a list. However, when the list items themselves contain commas, you can “outrank” those commas by using semicolons as the separators for your list items.

How do you end a semicolon in a list?

If the items in the list are phrases or clauses with punctuation in them, put a semicolon at the end of each item. Put “and” (or, if logic dictates, “or”) after the next-to-last item in the list and a period after the last item. The items are not capitalized (except for proper nouns).

Can you use multiple semicolons in a sentence?

Generally, no. It serves the same structural function as a period, but indicates a relationship between the two independent clauses. That kind of falls to pieces if you start stringing them together. If if you’ve got two semicolons, just make one a period.

What is the correct punctuation for a list?

Punctuate the list items with commas if they are not complete sentences; with semicolons, if they are complete sentences. Use the same spacing for in-sentence lists as in regular non-list text. Whenever possible, make the in-sentence list occur at the end of the sentence.

How do you punctuate a list of bullet points?

Punctuating Bullet Points

1. Use a period (full stop) after every bullet point that is a sentence (as these bullets do).
2. Use a period after every bullet point that completes the introductory stem.
3. Use no punctuation after bullets that are not sentences and do not complete the stem.

What is stronger than a comma?

The semicolon is sometimes described as stronger than a comma but weaker than a period.

What 3 main things can semicolons replace?

Semicolon Usage: The Three Functions of Semicolons in Written English

• Semicolons.
• Join two related independent clauses of equal emphasis.
• Join two independent clauses in which the second clause begins with an adverb or short parenthetical.
• Separate items that contain commas in a series.

What does comma mean?

A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause in a sentence or separates items in a list. A comma is also used before the words “and” or “but” to join two independent clauses.

What does comma splice mean?

A comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate joining word between them. The comma just isn’t strong enough to do the job of making one grammatical sentence out of two. Learn to recognize what comma splices look like, and be sure to avoid them in your essays.