Run-together sentences (or run-on sentences) are examples of sentences that should be divided up but have been written as if they are one sentence. Look at these two examples. Why do we describe them as run-together sentences?
Foreign direct investment can help the development of a country it can also provide employment.
An essay should always contain quotations that help to support your argument they will also show the marker which books you have read.
They are described as run-together (or run-on) sentences because in fact they are both made up of two sentences. They should be divided up in the following ways:
Foreign direct investment can help the development of a country. It can also provide employment.
An essay should always contain quotations that help to support your argument. They will also show the marker which books you have read.
We can correct run-together sentences in several different ways.
1. We can use a semicolon if the sentences are not too long. We can also make two separate sentences.
The markers will always have expectations of an essay writer’s work; they will expect the writer to follow certain conventions.
2. We can join sentences using a conjunction like and, but, so, or, yet, for.
Our ability to write good essays will go on improving if we learn to plan carefully and give ourselves time to draft and re-draft our writing.
3. A word such as because, although, since, so that, whereas can be used to begin a dependent clause that cannot stand alone.
Since the death of her daughter, she seems to have been walking in a fog.
Some countries have a long history of stability and peace whereas this is not true in some other countries.
4. We can use a linking word or phrase (however, nevertheless, in addition, for example, on the other hand, moreover, therefore, consequently, in contrast) to make links between independent sentences.
Many students want to write good essay that gain high marks but they often go about it in the wrong way. For example, they start writing the essay two days before it is supposed to be handed in or, in some cases, even the night before.
There is no doubt that the education system has greatly expanded over the last few years. However, we must not be complacent about present standards.
Task
Do any of these sentences need to be corrected?Some companies believe that the quantity of sales is the most important thing the quality of the product is seen as less important.Many Tanzanians work far from the town or village where they were born they retain close links with their home and always try to build a house there for when they retire.A high proportion of accidents in this country are caused by young males between the ages of 17 -28 the concept of careful driving is not understood by many of them.Many people say that completing a PhD successfully involves 90% effort and organisation and 10% talent however this is also true of many other achievements.Some people are obsessed with work they are sometimes called workaholics and they work 12 – 14 hours every day.If you want to write a good essay you must check and re-check your writing many times without this process of careful editing you will find it difficult to hand in a good assignment.
Notes on the Task
(a) Some companies believe that the quantity of sales is the most important thing the quality of the product is seen as less important.
Some companies believe that the quantity of sales is the most important thing. The quality of the product is seen as less important.
(b) Many Tanzanians work far from the town or village where they were born they retain close links with their home and always try to build a house there for when they retire.
Many Tanzanians work far from the town or village where they were born. However, they retain close links with their home and always try to build a house there for when they retire.
(c) A high proportion of accidents in this country are caused by young males between the ages of 17 -28 the concept of careful driving is not understood by many of them.
A high proportion of accidents in this country are caused by young males between the ages of 17 -28. The concept of careful driving is not understood by many of them.
(d) Many people say that completing a PhD successfully involves 90% effort and organisation and 10% talent perhaps this is also true of many other achievements.
Many people say that completing a PhD successfully involves 90% effort and organisation and 10% talent. Perhaps this is also true of many other achievements.
(e) Some people are obsessed with work they are sometimes called workaholics and they work 12 – 14 hours every day.
Some people are obsessed with work. They are sometimes called workaholics and they work 12 – 14 hours every day.
(f) If you want to write a good essay you must check and re-check your writing many times without this process of careful editing you will find it difficult to hand in a good assignment.
If you want to write a good essay you must check and re-check your writing many times. Without this process of careful editing you will find it difficult to hand in a good assignment.