When writing a statement with two line format you must be sure to type a semicolon at the end of the first line in order to ensure accurate results?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected improperly.

Example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.

There are two complete sentences in the above example:

Sentence 1: I love to write papers.

  Sentence 2: I would write one every day if I had the time.

One common type of run-on sentence is a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.

Example of a comma splice: Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference.

Sentence 1: Participants could leave the study at any time.

  Sentence 2: They needed to indicate their preference.

Some comma splices occur when a writer attempts to use a transitional expression in the middle of a sentence.

Example of a comma splice: The results of the study were inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the topic.

Sentence 1: The results of the study were inconclusive

  Transitional expression (conjunctive adverb): therefore

  Sentence 2: More research needs to be done on the topic

To fix this type of comma splice, use a semicolon before the transitional expression and add a comma after it. See more examples of this on the semicolon page.

Revision: The results of the study were inconclusive; therefore, more research needs to be done on the topic.

You can correct a run-on sentence by connecting or separating its parts correctly. There are several easy ways to connect independent clauses.

Do you get confused about the proper way to use a semicolon? Semicolons do not represent a full stop at the end of a sentence, as periods do; rather, they’re like the “yellow light” of punctuation marks: they signal a pause between one sentence and the next. You slow down, then stop at the end of the second sentence.

Rule 1. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

Examples:
Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
They went to the scariest movie they could find; they didn’t invite their youngest sister.

Rule 2. It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.

Examples:
You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.
As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.

Rule 3. Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.

Example:
This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Pop Quiz

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

1A. Let’s go dancing; afterward we can get dessert.
1B. Let’s go dancing, afterward we can get dessert.

2A. Pizza is my favorite food; however, I haven’t had a chance to eat it in a couple of years.
2B. Pizza is my favorite food, however I haven’t had a chance to eat it in a couple of years.

3A. The three winners of the contest were Kelly Gee, California, Bob Davis, Delaware, and Sandy Hu, Nevada.
3B. The three winners of the contest were Kelly Gee, California; Bob Davis, Delaware; and Sandy Hu, Nevada.

Answers to Pop Quiz

Correct answers are indicated in bold type and by an asterisk (*).

1A.* Let’s go dancing; afterward we can get dessert.
1B. Let’s go dancing, afterward we can get dessert.

2A.* Pizza is my favorite food; however, I haven’t had a chance to eat it in a couple of years.
2B. Pizza is my favorite food, however I haven’t had a chance to eat it in a couple of years.

3A. The three winners of the contest were Kelly Gee, California, Bob Davis, Delaware, and Sandy Hu, Nevada.
3B.* The three winners of the contest were Kelly Gee, California; Bob Davis, Delaware; and Sandy Hu, Nevada.

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When writing a statement with the two line format you must be sure to type a semicolon?

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