by Sheila-Ann Bender

Created on: November 05, 2011

Run-on sentences are simply long sentences void of punctuation that are really two or more sentences combined into one.   As a result, their meaning is lost, and they seldom make any sense.  For instance, ‘My boyfriend broke up with me who cares’ could be construed as a boyfriend who still has feelings for his girlfriend, but ended their relationship. 

By dividing the statement into two sentences, and using some correct punctuation, the author’s meaning is entirely transformed. ‘My boyfriend broke up with me.  Who cares?’  It’s amazing how a tiny little period and question mark can communicate a whole new message.

Punctuation is an important part of the English language.  Without it, words are empty and meaningless.  Messages get misconstrued, and sometimes they don’t make a whole lot of sense.  Lack of punctuation can make an intelligent person look very uneducated or lazy.  How hard can it be to read back over a sentence and add a comma, period or semicolon?

To avoid run-on sentence mishaps, simply follow these three simple guidelines:

1.  Always look back over the sentence written, and edit as necessary.  

Does the following sentence make any sense as written?  ‘Grandmother died when I was small grandfather lived until I was a married woman’.  This is two complete sentences that need separation (run-on sentence).

Adding a period gives the two thoughts more clarification and rhythm:  ‘Grandmother died when I was small.  Grandfather lived until I was a married woman.'

2.  Add a conjunction word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) and a comma.  Do remember that ‘for’ may only be used as a conjunction when it means 'because', and ‘so’ may only be used if its meaning is ‘as a result’.

‘Grandmother died when I was small, but grandfather lived until I was a married woman.’

3.  Use a semicolon and one of the following words:  therefore, thus, however, consequently, furthermore, also, nevertheless.

‘Grandmother died when I was small; however, Grandfather lived until I was a married woman.’

Any of the above solutions would be grammatically correct.   The choice depends on how the different thoughts of a run-on sentence are associated to each other, and what tone and rhythm the creator is attempting to accomplish.

Writing is a powerful tool, but only when words flow with meaning and authority.  Although run-on sentences often slaughter lucid thoughts, the remedy is really quite simple.  Don’t be afraid of those little marks known as punctuation! 

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