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Run-on Sentences Writing Center Workshop
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The Sentence Definition: A sentence is a complete thought, usually containing at least one or more independent clauses, beginning with a capital letter and ending with a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point. An independent clause is a cluster of words that contains a subject and a predicate and that can “stand alone.”
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Run-on Sentences Definition: A run-on sentence is punctuating and putting together two or more sentences as if they were one. There are two basic types of run-on sentences: 1. Fused Sentence 2. Comma Splice
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Fused Sentences w Definition: In fused sentences, two or more independent clauses “run together” with no punctuation. w Example: The boy ate his dinner his sister played quietly in the corner. Train analogy (above): The train cars are run together without any coupling devices. Independent Clause
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Comma Splices w Definition: In comma splices, two or more independent clauses are joined by a comma only. w Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner. Train analogy (above): The train cars are joined together with inadequate coupling devices. Independent Clause,,
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The Most Common Comma Splice Error The most common comma splice error is the conjunctive adverb comma splice. Common conjunctive adverbs: again, also, besides, consequently, further, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, likewise, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, then, therefore, thus
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Conjunctive Adverb Comma Splice w Rule: When joining independent clauses, the conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semi-colon and followed by a comma. w Example of Error: The boy ate his dinner, however, his sister played quietly in the corner. w Correction: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.
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Five Basic Ways of Correcting a Run-on Sentence w Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction w Semi-colon w Period and Capital Letter w Subordinate Clauses w Conjunctive Adverb
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Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet). w Example: The boy ate his dinner, but his sister played quietly in the corner.
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Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction w Rule: If there are more than two independent clauses in a series, separate the final two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. w Note that independent clauses other than the final two are separated with commas. w Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner, and his mother worked on the “spill” the children had made.
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Semi-colon w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w Separate those two or more independent clauses with a semi- colon. w Example: The boy ate his dinner; the sister played quietly in the corner.
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Period and Capital Letter w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w Separate those two or more independent clauses with a period. w Then begin the following independent clause with a capital letter. w Example: The boy ate dinner. The sister played quietly in the corner.
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Subordinate Clauses w Rule: Determine if one or more of the independent clauses can be subordinated. w If so, subordinate those clauses. w Example: While the boy ate dinner, the sister played quietly in the corner.
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Conjunctive Adverb w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a semi-colon, conjunctive adverb, and comma. w Example: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.
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Exceptions to the Rules* w Exception: Short, closely related independent clauses in a sequence can be joined by a comma only. w Example: He came, he saw, he conquered. * These exceptions are rare.
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Exceptions to the Rules* w Exception: If the second of two independent clauses reverses the negative emphasis of the first, these clauses can be joined with a comma. w Example: That day I did not swim, I sold real estate. * These exceptions are rare.
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Exceptions to the Rules* w Exception: If the second independent clause is a “tag” question, a comma may be used between the clauses. w Example: He does, doesn’t he? * These exceptions are rare.
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References w The Random House Handbook, Fourth Edition, was used as a source for compiling definitions.
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