Run-ons

A run-on sentence is a sentence that contains two parts, either which can stand alone, but have been criminally SMOOSHED together instead of being properly connected.

Contrary to popular belief, the length of a sentence really has nothing to do with whether a sentence is a run-on or not. A run-on is a structural flaw--a "disease" that even very short sentences can contract.

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 fine, structurally speaking.


There are two types main types of run-ons:

1. 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.

2. When two independent clauses have no punctuation separating them: Meteorology is fascinating to me I watch the Weather Channel everyday.

Two typical situations when run-ons strike:

1. When an independent clause gives an order based on what was said in the prior independent clause:

This next chapter has a lot of difficult information in it, you should start studying right away.

2. When the second of two independent clauses contains a pronoun that connects it to the first independent clause.

This computer doesn't make sense to me, it came without a manual.

(Although these two clauses are quite brief, and the ideas are closely related, this is a run-on sentence. We need a period where that comma now stands.)

Thanks to CCC Grammar.net for most of the info on run-ons!

HOMEWORK:
Please TYPE  an EXTREMELY SHORT (more like a part of a) story (100 words) based off one of my prompts, or one of your own creation.
-Write your story as one long run-on sentence. You may indicate a close relationship between   two clauses by using a comma splice, but that is the only punctuation you are allowed to use.
 -Please include the premise above the text of your story.
 -Please use only SIMPLE sentences (independent clauses).
 -For the sake of this assignment's purpose, NO DIALOGUE, please.


ACTIVITY:

Please take out your run-on story. Those who did not complete the assignment will be required to write a run-on story in class. You will lose 2 points (out of 10), and additional points will be taken for any direction that isn't followed.

1. First, place a period where sentences should end. (omit those illegal comma splices)
2. Because  it should be fairly choppy, rewrite the piece (on the same page) using the other two ways to correct run-ons, or simply leaving the period. Try to get the story flowing more naturally.