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 \u201cone fact per sentence\u201d rule as you read through some of the examples of run-on sentences. If you stick to \u201cone fact per sentence,\u201d you\u2019ll usually avoid run-ons!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are all comma splices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s one good thing about egotists, they don’t talk about other people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the correct way to write this: There\u2019s one good thing about egotists. They don\u2019t talk about other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be kind to those that meet you as you rise, you may pass them again as you fall. Here\u2019s the correct way to write this: Be kind to those that meet you as you rise. You may pass them again as you fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can collect as many signatures as you like, the stadium is still going to be built. Here\u2019s the correct way to write this: You can collect as many signatures as you like. The stadium is still going to be built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Tip 1) Write one sentence at a time and be disciplined.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I love angel cake, it is my favorite food. Here is the correct way to write this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I love angel cake. It is my favorite food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I asked for her license, she said she didn\u2019t have one. Here is the correct way to write this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I asked for her license. She said she didn\u2019t have one. Again, these are short, sweet sentences that contain one fact each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Tip 2) Consider other punctuation to end your sentence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (1) Use a semicolon:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (Using a semicolon gives smoother transition between sentences than a full stop.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (2) Use three dots:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (Using three dots (also called ellipsis) gives a pause for effect.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (3) Use a colon (if appropriate, which it probably won’t be):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (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.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (4) Use a dash:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (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.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n ****Source for some of this article: Craig Shrives at grammar-monster.com. You\u2019ll find lots of good writer\u2019s tips here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I can\u2019t stress enough how effective the \u201cone fact per sentence\u201d 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!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 \u201cone fact per sentence\u201d rule as you read through some of the examples of run-on sentences. If you stick to \u201cone fact per sentence,\u201d you\u2019ll usually avoid run-ons! A run-on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":95,"featured_media":1189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing-tips","pmpro-has-access"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
\n
\n
\n