Is it a complete sentence or a run-on?

Key Notes:-

1. Understanding Complete Sentences:

  • Definition: A complete sentence has a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject is doing or what is happening to the subject). It expresses a complete thought.
  • Example: “The cat slept on the bed.”
    • Subject: The cat
    • Predicate: slept on the bed

2. What is a Run-On Sentence?

  • Definition: A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete sentences) are joined together without correct punctuation or conjunctions (like “and,” “but,” or “so”).
  • Example of a Run-On Sentence: “The sun was shining we decided to go to the park.”
    • This should be split or connected correctly: “The sun was shining, so we decided to go to the park.”

3. Types of Run-On Sentences:

  • Comma Splice: Two independent clauses joined by just a comma without a conjunction.
    • Example: “I went to the store, I bought some milk.”
    • Correction: “I went to the store, and I bought some milk.” or “I went to the store. I bought some milk.”
  • Fused Sentence: Two independent clauses joined without any punctuation.
    • Example: “She loves to read she goes to the library often.”
    • Correction: “She loves to read, so she goes to the library often.” or “She loves to read. She goes to the library often.”

4. How to Fix Run-On Sentences:

  • Using a Period: Separate the independent clauses into two sentences.
    • Example: “The dog barked loudly the neighbors complained.” → “The dog barked loudly. The neighbors complained.”
  • Using a Comma and Conjunction: Join the clauses with a comma and a conjunction (like “and,” “but,” “or,” “so”).
    • Example: “The rain started we stayed inside.” → “The rain started, so we stayed inside.”
  • Using a Semicolon: Use a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses.
    • Example: “The cake was delicious everyone asked for seconds.” → “The cake was delicious; everyone asked for seconds.”

5. Practice Identifying and Correcting Run-Ons:

  • Run-On: “The cat was hungry it meowed loudly.”
  • Correction: “The cat was hungry, so it meowed loudly.” or “The cat was hungry. It meowed loudly.”

6. Tips for Avoiding Run-Ons:

  • Read Aloud: Reading sentences aloud can help you hear where a pause (period, comma, or conjunction) is needed.
  • Look for Independent Clauses: Identify if there are two complete ideas in your sentence. If so, make sure they are joined correctly.

7. Common Mistakes to Watch For:

  • Mistake: “I like to swim I do it every day.”
  • Correction: “I like to swim, and I do it every day.” or “I like to swim. I do it every day.”

Summary:

  • Complete Sentence: Has a subject, predicate, and expresses a complete thought.
  • Run-On Sentence: Two or more complete sentences joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions
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