English Grammar Programs - Avoid Run on Traps!

Run on sentences are often called fused sentences. They are two independent clauses connected incorrectly. Most English grammar programs do not dwell much onto these kinds of sentences because some include this when they discuss about punctuations. English grammar programs identify most run-on sentences as comma splices, wherein two independent clauses are connected only by a comma. Read on and learn more about how to avoid run on traps and get the proper remedy for these dilemmas.

Trap#1. A sentence falls into the run-on trap when a pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun in the first clause. The sentence may be logical in thought but it indeed is a run on. Consider the sentence: Judy is pretty, she never get pimples on her face.

Remedy: Instead of putting a comma after the word pretty, it would make the sentence more effective if the two clauses are separated by a semicolon. Better version: Judy is pretty; she never gets pimples on her face. English grammar programs would teach you that semicolons are used when the clauses are related to each other.

Trap #2. A sentence falls into the run on trap when a suggestion or directive word occurs in the second clause based on the prior clause. Consider the sentence: The party starts at 8pm, dress nicely and don't be late. Note the command in the second clause.

Remedy: in cases like the mentioned sentence above, it would also make the sentence effective by separating the clause and make a new sentence. The better version: The party starts at 8pm. Dress nicely and don't be late.

Trap#3. Be careful when you read two independent clauses connected by transitional expressions like however, moreover and etc. these conjunctions will fool you ad trap you into run-on sentences. Consider the sentence: My mother has sent me to a reputable school, however, she has risked her health in that old factory.

Remedy: Putting a period and separating the clauses would be the safest way to correct this run-on sentence but it would also read gracefully if we use the semicolon after the word school. Better version: My mother has sent me to a reputable school; however, she has risked her health in that old factory.

Remember that when you are unsure of the usage of punctuations and how punctuations are helpful in correcting run on sentences, consult your grammar programs.

In example: Let's say that you mix up the word to and too a lot. Since you are spelling them right, the computer is not always going to tell you that they are wrong. The word itself is not wrong, but where you used it at is wrong. Many people still have a problem with this kind of stuff, so you still have to work on your English grammar.

Check out the English grammar programs available and see how easily your writings are improved. The new technology will help you proofread your work and be able to impress your teachers the way you have improved on your writing.