Avoiding Run-On Sentences: MLA and APA Style Guidelines

📚 What is a Run-On Sentence?

A run-on sentence, also known as a fused sentence, occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Independent clauses are groups of words that can stand alone as complete sentences. Combining them incorrectly creates a rambling and confusing sentence.

📜 A Brief History

The concept of sentence structure and grammar has evolved over centuries. Formalized rules, like those addressing run-on sentences, became increasingly important with the rise of standardized writing styles such as MLA and APA. These styles prioritize clarity and precision, making the avoidance of run-on sentences essential.

✅ Key Principles for Avoiding Run-On Sentences

• 🛑 Use a Period: Separate the independent clauses into two distinct sentences.
• 🧩 Use a Comma and Coordinating Conjunction: Join the clauses with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
• ✒️ Use a Semicolon: Connect closely related independent clauses with a semicolon.
• ➕ Use a Semicolon and Conjunctive Adverb: Use a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore, moreover) and a comma.
• 📝 Subordinate One Clause: Make one of the independent clauses a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if, when, while).

✍️ MLA and APA Style Considerations

Both MLA and APA styles emphasize clear and concise writing. While the rules for avoiding run-on sentences are the same regardless of the style, it's crucial to adhere to proper formatting and citation guidelines within each style.

📚 MLA Style

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities. When correcting run-on sentences in MLA style, ensure your citations and formatting are accurate.

🧠 APA Style

APA (American Psychological Association) style is primarily used in social sciences. Adhering to APA guidelines, including those for headings, citations, and references, is crucial when revising run-on sentences.

💡 Real-World Examples and Corrections

Here are some examples of run-on sentences and how to correct them using the methods described above:

Run-On Sentence: The dog barked loudly it wanted to go outside.

• 🛑 Correction (Period): The dog barked loudly. It wanted to go outside.
• 🧩 Correction (Comma and Conjunction): The dog barked loudly, for it wanted to go outside.
• ✒️ Correction (Semicolon): The dog barked loudly; it wanted to go outside.
• ➕ Correction (Semicolon and Conjunctive Adverb): The dog barked loudly; therefore, it wanted to go outside.
• 📝 Correction (Subordination): The dog barked loudly because it wanted to go outside.

Run-On Sentence: The experiment was successful the results were surprising.

• 🛑 Correction (Period): The experiment was successful. The results were surprising.
• 🧩 Correction (Comma and Conjunction): The experiment was successful, but the results were surprising.
• ✒️ Correction (Semicolon): The experiment was successful; the results were surprising.
• ➕ Correction (Semicolon and Conjunctive Adverb): The experiment was successful; however, the results were surprising.
• 📝 Correction (Subordination): Although the experiment was successful, the results were surprising.

📝 Practice Quiz

Identify and correct the run-on sentences in the following examples:

1. The sun was shining brightly the birds were singing.
2. She went to the store she bought milk and bread.
3. He studied hard he wanted to pass the exam.
4. The movie was long it was very interesting.
5. I like to read books I also enjoy writing stories.

🔑 Conclusion

Avoiding run-on sentences is crucial for clear and effective writing, particularly in academic styles like MLA and APA. By understanding the principles of independent and dependent clauses and utilizing various methods of correction, you can significantly improve the readability and professionalism of your writing.