Table of Contents
How long can a sentence be without a period?
In terms of avoiding a run-on: A sentence in English can be infinite, as long as it is punctuated properly. (A run-on sentence occurs when two or more sentences are joined together without proper punctuation.)
How long can you make a sentence?
So here’s the rule: your sentences should usually be about from 20 to 30 words long. If your style is breezy, 15 words would be good. Sentences with 50 or more words should be avoided if possible. Throw in a shorter sentence now and then that refocuses, summarizes, surprises.
Can you not write a run-on sentence?
To avoid run-on sentences, see if there is more than one idea communicated by two or more independent clauses. In our examples, there are two complete sentences: Lily enjoyed the bouquet of tulips John gave her on prom night. She prefers roses.
What constitutes a complete sentence?
A complete sentence has to have a subject and a verb, and the verb has to be a “finite”: A sentence with its main verb in an ‘-ing’ form will not be a complete sentence. *Marge swimming. A sentence with its main verb in an infinitive form (“to” + verb) will not be a complete sentence. *Homer to swim.
Can I write and after a period?
Originally Answered: Can “But” and “And” be used after a full stop? No rules of English grammar prohibit starting a sentence with any particular word. So, yes, either of these words can be used after a full stop.
Are run-on sentences always bad?
In essence, run-on sentences are grammatically incorrect and should be avoided, and they are considered a bad thing. That said, the odd comma splice is acceptable; plenty of established and famous writers like to use them. The thing to remember is not to overuse them.
How do you break up a run-on sentence?
There are four main ways to fix a run-on sentence:
- Separate the two clauses with a period.
- Separate the clauses with a semi-colon.
- Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction. (e.g. and, but, or, for, yet, nor, so) to separate the clauses.
- Use a subordinating conjunction.
What makes a run-on sentence?
A run-on sentence results from two or more complete sentences being connected without any punctuation. The best way to find a run-on sentence is to determine whether there is more than one independent clause in the same sentence without punctuation.
How do you tell if a sentence is complete or incomplete?
A complete sentence requires a subject and a verb. It’s possible to have a complete sentence that’s just two words long, like this one: I am. A sentence fragment (also known as an incomplete sentence) is a sentence that’s missing a subject, a verb, or both.