All terms

"What is a Run-On?"

A sentence that continues without proper punctuation or coordination.

Run-On: When Your Sentences Just Can't Stop

A run-on sentence is like the Energizer Bunny - it just keeps going and going and going without any end in sight. These sentences lack the proper punctuation or conjunctions needed to separate independent clauses or phrases, causing confusion and even frustration for readers.

Run-ons can also be known as comma splices or fused sentences, and they are a common mistake made by writers who may not understand the rules of grammar or sentence structure. Some examples of run-on sentences include:

  • I went to the store I bought some milk.
  • The sun was shining it was a beautiful day.
  • She is a great writer she has won many awards.

If you find yourself struggling with run-on sentences, do not despair! There are many resources available to help you improve your writing skills, including grammar books, online tutorials, and even writing workshops. By learning how to properly punctuate and coordinate your sentences, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Run-On - When Your Sentences Need a Pause: Examples in Literature

Here are some examples of how run-on sentences were used by famous writers to convey their ideas in literature.

William Faulkner, The Sound and the Fury

"He did not answer. The door shut again. Shut. That was when I learned that words are no good; that words dont ever fit even what they are trying to say at. That words are no good at all."

Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Love in the Time of Cholera

"And how long do you think we can sustain this before someone gets suspicious?" "We've already been through all that," Fermina Daza said at last. "We don't have to explain anything to anyone."