Identifying Unacceptable Fixes

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 149 views

The Art of Sentence Correction: Identifying Unacceptable Fixes

Understanding Run-on Sentences

A run-on sentence is a type of sentence that contains two or more independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) that are not properly joined with punctuation or conjunctions. In the given sentence, "Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward no one likes to feel like they're bragging," the two independent clauses "Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward" and "no one likes to feel like they're bragging" are not properly joined, resulting in a run-on sentence.

Identifying Unacceptable Fixes

To fix a run-on sentence, we need to identify the correct ways to join the two independent clauses. Let's examine the options provided in the question:

A. Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can
B. Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward.
C. Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward, no one likes to feel like they're bragging.
D. Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward; no one likes to feel like they're bragging.

Analyzing Option A

Option A, "Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can," is an incomplete sentence. It lacks a main clause and does not provide a complete thought. This option is not an acceptable way to fix the run-on sentence.

Analyzing Option B

Option B, "Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward," is a complete sentence, but it still contains only one independent clause. This option does not address the issue of the run-on sentence.

Analyzing Option C

Option C, "Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward, no one likes to feel like they're bragging," uses a comma to join the two independent clauses. This is a common way to fix a run-on sentence, as it uses a comma to separate the clauses and indicates that they are closely related.

Analyzing Option D

Option D, "Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can feel awkward; no one likes to feel like they're bragging," uses a semicolon to join the two independent clauses. This is also a correct way to fix a run-on sentence, as it uses a semicolon to separate the clauses and indicates that they are closely related.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is A. Discussing your accomplishments with your interviewer can. This option is not an acceptable way to fix the run-on sentence, as it is an incomplete sentence that lacks a main clause and does not provide a complete thought.

Additional Tips for Fixing Run-on Sentences

Use a comma to join two independent clauses if they are closely related and the comma does not create confusion.
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses if they are closely related and the semicolon creates a clearer separation between the clauses.
Use a period to separate two independent clauses if they are not closely related.
Use a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or) to join two independent clauses if they are closely related and the conjunction creates a clear connection between the clauses.

By following these tips, you can effectively fix run-on sentences and improve the clarity and coherence of your writing.
The Art of Sentence Correction: Identifying Unacceptable Fixes

Q&A: Common Questions and Answers about Run-on Sentences

Q: What is a run-on sentence?

A: A run-on sentence is a type of sentence that contains two or more independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) that are not properly joined with punctuation or conjunctions.

Q: What are the common characteristics of a run-on sentence?

A: Run-on sentences often have the following characteristics:

Two or more independent clauses that are not properly joined
A lack of punctuation or conjunctions to separate the clauses
A sense of confusion or ambiguity in the sentence

Q: How can I identify a run-on sentence?

A: To identify a run-on sentence, look for the following signs:

Two or more independent clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences
A lack of punctuation or conjunctions to separate the clauses
A sense of confusion or ambiguity in the sentence

Q: What are the common ways to fix a run-on sentence?

A: There are several ways to fix a run-on sentence, including:

Using a comma to join two independent clauses if they are closely related and the comma does not create confusion
Using a semicolon to join two independent clauses if they are closely related and the semicolon creates a clearer separation between the clauses
Using a period to separate two independent clauses if they are not closely related
Using a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or) to join two independent clauses if they are closely related and the conjunction creates a clear connection between the clauses

Q: What is the difference between a comma and a semicolon?

A: A comma is used to separate clauses or items in a list, while a semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related.

Q: Can I use a comma to join two independent clauses if they are not closely related?

A: No, it's generally not a good idea to use a comma to join two independent clauses if they are not closely related. This can create confusion and ambiguity in the sentence.

Q: Can I use a semicolon to join two independent clauses if they are not closely related?

A: No, it's generally not a good idea to use a semicolon to join two independent clauses if they are not closely related. This can create confusion and ambiguity in the sentence.

Q: What is the best way to fix a run-on sentence?

A: The best way to fix a run-on sentence depends on the specific sentence and the context in which it is being used. However, in general, it's best to use a comma or semicolon to join two independent clauses if they are closely related, and to use a period to separate two independent clauses if they are not closely related.

Conclusion

Run-on sentences can be confusing and ambiguous, but they can be easily fixed with the right techniques. By understanding the characteristics of run-on sentences and knowing how to fix them, you can improve the clarity and coherence of your writing.