What do we call a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence is characterized as a sentence that contains two or more main clauses that are improperly connected without appropriate punctuation. This lack of correct punctuation leads to a confusion of ideas, making the sentence difficult to understand. For instance, if two independent clauses like "I love to read" and "I often visit the library" are combined without a conjunction or punctuation, it results in a run-on sentence.

The acknowledgment of this structure is crucial because run-on sentences can disrupt the clarity and flow of writing, leading to miscommunication. Understanding what constitutes a run-on sentence enables writers to improve their sentence structure, ensuring that each idea is clearly delineated for the reader. Consequently, recognizing and correcting run-on sentences contributes significantly to effective writing.