Sentence Structure and Avoiding Run-on Sentences

Sentence Structure
Depending on the number and type of clauses they contain, sentences are classified as
simple, compound, complex, compound-complex.
Simple Sentences
A simple sentence contains only one independent clause.
Without dancing, life would not be fun. (Red indicates subject & verb).
A simple sentence can also contain compound elements (subject, verb, object).
Evil enters like a needle and spreads like an oak. (compound verb)
Compound sentences
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses with no subordinate
clauses. They are joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or,
nor, so, for, yet) or with a semicolon.
He wanted to join the group, but the other members wouldnt let him.
Most singers gain fame through hard work and dedication; Evita, however, found
another means.
Complex sentences
A complex sentence is composed of one independent clause with one or more
subordinate clauses.
The fur that warms a monarch once warmed a bear.
Home is the place where you slip in the tub and break your neck.
Talent is what you possess.
Dig a well before you are thirsty.
Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.
Juan can run faster than I can bicycle.
When he adopts a creed, a scientist commits suicide.
The receptionist knows [that] you are here.
Subordinating Adverbs
After
before
Even though since
If
how
When
why
Although
Relative Pronouns
That
who

rather than
unless
so that
because

though
whether
until
in order that

where
as
while
that

whom

whose

which

Other words introducing subordinate clauses.

Whoever
Whomever Whatever
Whichever

Whenever

The above is true in both Spanish and English (Hacker, 2009, 768-770).

Run-On Sentences

although
as if
than
because

Wherever

Run-on sentences are a serious problem because they indicate that the writer does not
understand basic sentence structure either in Spanish or English. Run-ons are
independent clauses (a word group that can stand alone as a complete sentence) that
have not been joined correctly.
There are two types of run-on sentences. When a writer puts no punctuation and no
coordinating conjunction between independent clauses, the sentence is said to be fused.
EX: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone they are essential for the
hearing paired.
A more common run-on sentence is the comma splicetwo independent clauses joined
with a comma without a coordinating conjunction (and, so, but, for, yet, or, nor).
EX: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential for the
hearing impaired. (Notice here the improper joining with nothing but a comma).
In other comma splices, the comma is accompanied by a joining word that is not a
coordinating conjunction.
EX: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, however they are essential
for the hearing impaired. (However is not a coordinating conjunction).
There are four methods of fixing a run-on sentence:
1. Use a comma and coordinating conjunction:
EX: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, but they are essential
for the hearing impaired.
2. Use a semi-colon (if the clauses are related) or a colon or a dash to separate
the independent clauses.
EX: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone; they are essential for the
hearing impaired.
Sometimes the semi-colon is accompanied by a transitional expression.
EX: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone; however, they are essential
for the hearing impaired. (Other common transitions: moreover, nevertheless, for
example, in fact, etc.).
If appropriate you may also use a colon or a dash (less formal than the colon):
EX: Nuclear waste is hazardous: This is an indisputable fact.
3. Make the clauses into separate sentences.
EX: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone. They are essential for
the hearing impaired.
4. Restructure the sentence so that one of the clauses becomes subordinate.
EX: While gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential
for the hearing impaired (Hacker, 2009, 296-308).
EXERCISE
Revise any run-on sentences using a technique that you find effective. If a sentence
is correct write correct after it.

1.

Carlos never drove the vintage cars his father left him, however, he wouldnt
sell them.

2.

The volunteers worked hard to clean up after the hurricane, in fact, many of
them did not sleep for days.

3.

The center of Monterrey is the Macroplaza, this plaza is one of the largest in the
world.

4.

I ran the three blocks as fast as I could I missed the bus.

5.

We didnt trust her, she had lied before.

6.

If you want to get good grades, consider this advice, dont wait until the end of
the semester to start studying.

7.

Juan is a top competitor he has been running for years.

8.

The floor around the refreshment stand was sticky, I was lucky to make it away
with both shoes on my feet.

9.

The streets of Mexico City are dangerous, it is not safe to drive.

10.

Are you able to endure boredom, then this might be the right career for you.

11.

We planned to spend our vacation at Padre Island, however, the hurricane made
us come home earlier than we had planned.

12.

There was one major reason for his wealth, his grandfather had been a multimillionaire.

13.

President Fox was standing next to the podium, he was waiting for President
Bush to introduce him to the press.

14.

Mr. Romero is an excellent linguist, he speaks six languages.

15.

Somedays I only have money for the bus, lunch is a luxury I cannot afford.

16.

The building is being renovated we have no heat or water.

17.

The next time an event is canceled because of rain, dont blame the weatherman,
blame nature.