Weak Sentences IV

Running Sentences Together
Extracts from R.W. Harris

Malescribes run one sentence into the next.

Run-on technique Example 1:
I offered her my jacket, she declined.

This sentence contains two independent clause (grammatically complete clauses that could stand alone as sentences). Two independent clauses can't be joined by a comma. The clauses need to be treated in one of the three ways:
1. Rewrite them as two sentences:
I offered her my jacket. She declined.

2. Separate then with a semicolon:
I offered her my jacket; she declined.

3. Separate them with a comma and a conjunction
I offered her my jacket, but she declined.

Run-on technique Example 2:
We love our new house, however, it needs a lot of work.

Sentence run-ons can occur when connecting adverbs are used between independent clauses. The run-on could be avoided by preceding the adverb however with a semicolon, as shown here:

We love our new house; however, it needs a lot of work.

Run-on technique Example 3:
The fender was crushed, the frame was bent, and the windshield was broken, in other words, the car was heavily damaged.

Solution:Avoid running sentences together by using appropriate punctuation or by writing two separate sentences.


Grammar Reminders
Examples of Conjunction: or, but, for, nor, so, yet
Examples of Connecting Adverbs: therefore, however, similarly, nevertheless, furthermore, then, consequently
Examples of Transitional Phrases: in other words, for example, as a result of, on the contrary