Those Darn Run-Ons

Posted By Karen on December 10, 2009

Many writers have a problem with run-on sentences. This becomes problematic in that it can cause confusion and cause the reader to find the content too difficult.

According to Guide to Grammar and Writing:

A RUN-ON SENTENCE (sometimes called a “fused sentence”) has at least two parts, either one of which can stand by itself (in other words, two independent clauses), but the two parts have been smooshed together instead of being properly connected. Review, also, the section which describes Things That Can Happen Between Two Independent Clauses.

It is important to realize that the length of a sentence really has nothing to do with whether a sentence is a run-on or not; being a run-on is a structural flaw that can plague even a very short sentence:

The sun is high, put on some sunblock.

For a little more on this topic, visit our professional editor, Lea Schizas at:

Pen Perfect Associates

By the way, both these sites are full of useful information.

Till next time,

Karen

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About the author

Karen

Karen is a published author, writer-for-hire, and freelance writer. She is the creator and manager of VBT - Writers on the Move; co-moderator of a children's writing critique group; a reviewer multiple sites, and an acquisitions editor intern with 4RV Publishing. Her books are: Day's End Lullaby (a children's rhyming bedtime picture book), The Self-Publisher's Guide (an ebook that includes information on writing, publishing options, marketing and promotional strategies, and more), Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It! (a 34 page ebook that offers guidance and tips on writing, publishing, and marketing with useful tools and examples), and Writing for Children One Step at a time (a 100+ page e-book offering writing and marketing information, tips and resources). And, Karen has a children's fantasy chapter book in contract with 4RV Publishing. Be sure to sign up (subscribe) for our FREE monthly newsletter.

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