Run-on sentences represent a significant problem in business writing today. The examples of improperly constructed sentences can be obvious (often referred to as “spliced” or “fused” structures) or subtle (typically involving lengthy complex-compound sentences that should be broken down).
The fused sentence contains no internal punctuation, such as commas or semicolons. The splice, in which two or more sentences are joined by a comma, is another form of run-on sentence.
The complex run-on sentence contains too much information and too many supporting clauses. The result is confusion for the reader. If a sentence bogs down with wordiness and excessive clauses, you have two choices – separate into distinct sentences or eliminate wording!
Here are some examples.
Fused run-on sentence: There was one element missing in the research it was the reference to existing medical literature.
Correct: There was one element missing in the research: it was the reference to existing medical literature.
Spliced run-on sentence: Medical research is still in the early stages on this product, it has made some important strides though.
Correct: Medical research is still in the early stages on this product; it has made some important strides though.
Complex run-on sentence: Medical research shows there is a direct correlation between the condition known as fibromyalgia, which is a growing disease in Canada, and the treatment regimen called non-invasive hydrotherapy that calls for intensive water-based programs applied by a registered health therapist, which is licensed by both the province of Ontario and the federal government of Canada.
Correct: Medical research shows there is a direct correlation between fibromyalgia, which is a growing disease in Canada, and non-invasive hydrotherapy. This treatment regimen requires water-based programs applied by a registered health therapist licensed at both the provincial and federal level.
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