A run-on sentence is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses (i.e., complete sentences) are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction. It is generally considered a stylistic error, though it is occasionally used in literature and may be used as a rhetorical device. An example of a run-on is a comma splice, in which two independent clauses are joined with a comma without an accompanying coordinating conjunction.[1][2] Some prescriptivists exclude comma splices from the definition of a run-on sentence[3], though this does not imply that they consider comma splices to be acceptable.
The mere fact that a sentence is long does not make it a run-on sentence; sentences are run-ons only when they lack proper separation between independent clauses, so the writer who is vigilant in the use of appropriate punctuation and sentence construction will violate no usage rule limiting the number of independent clauses that may be assembled in a single sentence, though stylistic concerns and a desire not to emulate the excesses of Edward Bulwer-Lytton and other profligate wordsmiths may suggest a certain prudence and counsel a sensible limitation of verbiage within the span of two periods, such as is not evidenced in this overlong, but nonetheless technically correct and run-on-free sentence.
A run-on sentence can be as short as four words—for instance: I drive she walks. In this case, there are two independent clauses: two subjects paired with two intransitive verbs.
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In various ancient languages of literary uses, run-on sentences were unheard of since no punctuation existed. Examples would be Sumerian and Akkadian as well as east Asian scripts such as classical Chinese.
The short story "Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman is known for its use of improper grammar, one of which is a paragraph about jelly beans composed almost entirely of run-on sentences.