What is a "run-on sentence"?

What is a "run-on sentence"?

• A. A sentence that poses a question
• B. A sentence that incorrectly combines two or more independent clauses without appropriate punctuation
• C. A sentence with an unclear subject
• D. A sentence that is too long

Answer: (B)

A run-on sentence is specifically defined as a sentence that incorrectly combines two or more independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. In standard English grammar, an independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. When these clauses are joined improperly—such as by simply placing them next to one another without the correct use of a comma and a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon—the result is a run-on sentence. This lack of proper punctuation means that the reader encounters a grammatical error, making the meaning unclear or confusing. The correct answer reflects this definition accurately, clarifying that the issue arises from the failure to separate the independent clauses correctly. Other options, while relating to sentence structure or punctuation, do not capture the specific error characteristic of run-on sentences.

A run-on sentence is specifically defined as a sentence that incorrectly combines two or more independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. In standard English grammar, an independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. When these clauses are joined improperly—such as by simply placing them next to one another without the correct use of a comma and a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon—the result is a run-on sentence.

This lack of proper punctuation means that the reader encounters a grammatical error, making the meaning unclear or confusing. The correct answer reflects this definition accurately, clarifying that the issue arises from the failure to separate the independent clauses correctly. Other options, while relating to sentence structure or punctuation, do not capture the specific error characteristic of run-on sentences.