Another error common to a lot of reports, especially police reports, is the run-on sentence. I preach to keep sentences short and sweet. Remember the “one fact per sentence” rule as you read through some of the examples of run-on sentences. If you stick to “one fact per sentence,” you’ll usually avoid run-ons!
A run-on sentence is a common error caused by merging two sentences without suitable punctuation. The most common run-on sentence is the “comma splice” (also known as the “comma fault”), which occurs when two sentences are inappropriately separated by a comma.
These are all comma splices:
There’s one good thing about egotists, they don’t talk about other people.
Here’s the correct way to write this: There’s one good thing about egotists. They don’t talk about other people.
Be kind to those that meet you as you rise, you may pass them again as you fall. Here’s the correct way to write this: Be kind to those that meet you as you rise. You may pass them again as you fall.
You can collect as many signatures as you like, the stadium is still going to be built. Here’s the correct way to write this: You can collect as many signatures as you like. The stadium is still going to be built.
The run-on sentence is undoubtedly the most common grammar mistake made by writers with otherwise sound writing skills.
Here are two writing tips to help you avoid run-on sentences:
(Tip 1) Write one sentence at a time and be disciplined.
A sentence is a group of grammatically complete words that expresses a complete thought. A sentence must contain a subject and a verb (even if one or the other is implied). Some more examples:
I love angel cake, it is my favorite food. Here is the correct way to write this:
I love angel cake. It is my favorite food.
I asked for her license, she said she didn’t have one. Here is the correct way to write this:
I asked for her license. She said she didn’t have one. Again, these are short, sweet sentences that contain one fact each.
(Tip 2) Consider other punctuation to end your sentence.
Often, a run-on error can be fixed with a period, but, without rewording, there are four other possible fixes, all of which are worth having in your writer’s toolbox.
(1) Use a semicolon:
- Duty is what one expects from others; it is not what one does oneself. (Playwright Oscar Wilde)
(Using a semicolon gives smoother transition between sentences than a full stop.)
(2) Use three dots:
- It’s not true that I had nothing on…I had the radio on. (Actress Marilyn Monroe)
(Using three dots (also called ellipsis) gives a pause for effect.)
(3) Use a colon (if appropriate, which it probably won’t be):
- I have made an important discovery: alcohol, taken in sufficient quantities, produces all the effects of intoxication. (Playwright Oscar Wilde)
(If sentence 2 is an expansion of something in sentence 1, you can use a colon. A colon is like an equals sign. Here, “important discovery” equals sentence 2.)
(4) Use a dash:
- Please do not shoot the pianist – he is doing his best.
(A dash looks a bit stark, but the dash is very versatile. It could replace the semicolon, the three dots or the colon in the three examples above.)
****Source for some of this article: Craig Shrives at grammar-monster.com. You’ll find lots of good writer’s tips here.
I can’t stress enough how effective the “one fact per sentence” rule can be. Write a paragraph and re-read it. Make sure each sentence contains only one fact. This will most certainly help you avoid run-ons. You may initially think the sentences are short and choppy, but they will contain less usage errors and be easier for your reader!
