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Paul Sparks,
Sino-Canadian International College, Guangxi University, Online English Lesson Plans, Lesson Material and Ideas
for Semester 2 Reading Lessons...
Reading: Grammar - Run-On
Sentences
Avoiding Run-on
Sentences:
The length of a
sentence has nothing to do with whether or not a sentence is considered a
run-on. A run-on sentence is one in which two clauses have been connected
incorrectly.
A comma splice connects
two independent clauses with only a comma.
Example: "Some
students think they can study for an important exam by cramming all night,
they are probably wrong."
There are several ways
to fix a comma splice. . . .
1. We can insert a
period and start a new sentence.
Some students think they
can study for an important exam by cramming all night. They are
probably wrong.
2. We can insert a comma
plus a coordinating conjunction.
Some students think they
can study for an important exam by cramming all night, but they are
probably wrong.
3. We can use a
semicolon.
Some students think they
can study for an important exam by cramming all night; they are
probably wrong.
Common Mistakes:
When a pronoun in the
second clause refers to a noun in the first clause:
"The President's
popularity has plummeted, she apparently underestimated the
opposition."
Should be:
"The President's popularity has plummeted, and she apparently
underestimated the opposition."
When a suggestion or
directive occurs in the second clause:
"You will be
responsible for this material on the final exam, study it thoroughly
now."
Should be: "You
will be responsible for this material on the final exam. Study it
thoroughly now."
When two clauses are
connected by a transitional expression:
"Many people
think protectionism can halt rising prices, however, the opposite is
actually true."
Should be:
"Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices; however,
the opposite is actually true."
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