2020-2021 SPRING SEMESTER

ENGL141
READING AND WRITING SKILLS I
ONLINE SESSION 5
Correcting Run-On Sentences
A run-on sentence can be fixed by connecting its parts correctly. There are several
ways to connect independent clauses.
1.Use a period. The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller
sentences using a period. This revision works especially well with longer sentences.
Check, however, to make sure that this solution does not result in short, choppy
sentences.
Revision example: I love to write papers. I would write one every day if I had the
time.

2.Use a semicolon. Inserting a semicolon between independent clauses creates a

grammatically correct sentence. Using a semicolon is a stylistic choice that establishes
a close relationship between the two sentences.
Revision example: I love to write papers; I would write one every day if I had the
time.
 3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A comma, paired with a
coordinating conjunction (e.g., "and," "but," or "or"), corrects a run-on sentence.
This method emphasizes the relationship between the two clauses.
Revision example: I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had
the time.

4.Use a subordinating conjunction. Turn one of the independent clauses into a 

dependent clause. A subordinating conjunction (e.g., "because," "unless," and
"although") connects two clauses to create a complex sentence. This option works to
cement the relationship between the two parts of the sentence and may improve the
flow of the clauses.
Example: Because I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the
time.
However you decide to revise for run-on sentences, remember that maintaining 
sentence variety helps to keep the writing clear and interesting for your readers.
The Comma (,)
The comma is useful in a sentence when the writer wishes to:
•pause before proceeding
•add a phrase that does not contain any new subject
•separate items on a list
•use more than one adjective (a describing word, like beautiful)
For example, in the following sentence the phrase or clause between the commas gives us
more information behind the actions of the boy, the subject of the sentence:
The boy, who knew that his mother was about to arrive, ran quickly towards the opening
door.
Note that if the phrase or clause were to be removed, the sentence would still make sense
although there would be a loss of information.  Alternatively, two sentences could be used:
The boy ran quickly towards the opening door.  He knew that his mother was about to
arrive.
Commas are also used to separate items in a list.
For example:
The shopping trolley was loaded high with bottles of beer, fruit, vegetables, toilet
rolls, cereals and cartons of milk.
Note that in a list, the final two items are linked by the word ‘and’ rather than by a
comma.
Commas are used to separate adjectives.
For example:
The boy was happy, eager and full of anticipation at the start of his summer holiday.
As commas represent a pause, it is good practice to read your writing out loud and
listen to where you make natural pauses as you read it.  More often than not, you will
indicate where a comma should be placed by a natural pause. Although, the ‘rules’ of
where a comma needs to be placed should also be followed.
For example:
However, it has been suggested that some bees prefer tree pollen.
Full Stop (.)
The full stop (Commonwealth English), period (North American English) or full point. 
A full stop should always be used to end a sentence.  The full stop indicates that a point has
been made and that you are about to move on to further explanations or a related point.
Less frequently, a series of three full stops (an ellipsis) can be used to indicate where a
section of a quotation has been omitted when it is not relevant to the text, for example:
“The boy was happy… at the start of his summer holiday.”
A single full stop may also be used to indicate the abbreviation of commonly used words as
in the following examples:
•Telephone Number = Tel. No.
•September = Sept.
•Pages = pp.
USING SEMICOLONS
Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma
is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more
sophisticated.

RULES FOR USING SEMICOLONS

•A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses
that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas
(parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.

Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil.

•Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive
adverbs or transitional phrases.

However they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result,
many people swear by their writing methods.
•Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.

There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and
easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and
neat.

•Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if

the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.

Some people write with a word processor, tablet, or a even a phone; but others, for
different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil.
Colon (:)
The colon within a sentence makes a very pointed pause between two phrases.  There
are two main uses of the colon:
It is most commonly used when listing.
For example:
She placed the following items into the trolley: beer, fruit, vegetables, toilet rolls,
cereals and cartons of milk.
Or it can be used within a heading, or descriptive title.
For example:
Human Resource Management: Guidelines for Telephone Advisers