# Writing sentences

**Source**: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/writing-sentences/
**Parent**: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/

Sentences provide us with the framework for the clear written expression of our ideas. Sentences are one of the key building blocks of written assignments. Let's explore the features of a sentence.

## Sentence features

A sentence is a written expression of a complete thought.

A sentence contains:

- a capital letter at the beginning and a full stop at the end
- a subject (person/people or thing[s] that is/are doing something)
- a verb (action or doing word).

### Example

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different parts of a sentence. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

CScreen reader users, this is a Capital letter.limate changeScreen reader users, this is the subject. isScreen reader users, this is part of a verb. adversely affectingScreen reader users, this is part of a verb. the environment.Screen reader users, this is a full stop.

## Preventing run-on sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when two clauses or simple sentences are incorrectly joined.\

This could be either:

- a ***fused sentence*** where two dependant clauses (incomplete ideas or sentences) are put together without the correct punctuation, or
- a ***comma splice*** where the two clauses are only joined with a comma.

### Example

*Poverty, famine and major public health problems around the developing world are important indicators of a changing climate **these issues are not being addressed globally.***

There are four ways to resolve a run-on sentence.

1. Use a **joining word** between the two clauses of the sentence so it makes sense. (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)

*Poverty, famine and major public health problems around the developing world are an important indicator of a changing climate **but** these issues are not being addressed globally.*

2. Insert a **semicolon** between the two clauses of the sentence instead of a joining word

*Poverty, famine and major public health problems around the developing world are an important indicator of a changing **climate; these** issues are not being addressed globally.*

3. Make two **separate** sentences.

*Poverty, famine and major public health problems around the developing world are an important indicator of a changing climate. **These issues are not being addressed globally.***

4. **Rewrite** the sentence if it's possible to link the two clauses as one complete idea

***Important indicators of climate change such as** poverty, famine and major public health problems in the developing world are not being addressed globally.*

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## Keywords

- [Sentences](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/sentences/)
- [Essay structure](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/essay-structure/)
- [Academic writing](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/academic-writing/)

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