Run-on sentences and awkwardness?

Question

Hi,Are the following sentences run-ons:When a person views conflict between people of  different nationalities, he or she may not realize it could be because of the  Second World War, which very much divided the world, and merely see two  individuals having a conflict, not taking to note this very probable  reality.In addition, is the following thesis awkward:The impacts of the Second World War were not limited to the battlefront, and are strongly felt at the home front: a reality exposed in these two short stories. What really defines awkwardness in a sentence?Thank you in advance!

S-C-3-1-3 · Accepted Answer

Please ignore the coding before the actual question which is started by: "Hi,"

Thanks, and sorry! I have no idea what causd it to be like that!

CalifJim · Answer

S-C-3-1-3Are the following sentences run-ons:
When a person views conflict between people of different nationalities, he or she may not realize it could be because of the Second World War, which very much divided the world, and merely see two individuals having a conflict, not taking to note this very probable reality.

It's only one sentence, and it's not a run-on sentence. It's just that it's very long -- probably too long.

S-C-3-1-3In addition, is the following thesis awkward:
The impacts of the Second World War were not limited to the battlefront, and are strongly felt at the home front: a reality exposed in these two short stories.

It's a bit awkward to my ear, yes.

S-C-3-1-3What really defines awkwardness in a sentence?

Lack of clarity. A sentence should deliver its message in a clear and straightforward manner and then stop. The reader should not have to exert any effort to read the sentence and grasp its meaning. The meaning should be clear on first reading. Typically a sentence is judged awkward when the reader feels confused by the order in which the words, phrases, and clauses are arranged. For example, here's an awkward sentence:

If we had some eggs, we could have some ham and eggs, if we had some ham.

CJ

S-C-3-1-3 · Answer

CalifJimIt's only one sentence, and it's not a run-on sentence. It's just that it's very long -- probably too long.

Would the revised sentence be favorable:

"When a person views conflict between people of different nationalities, he or she may not realize it could be because of the Second World War, and merely see two regular individuals having a conflict."

Or, would it then be considered awkward?

CalifJimIt's a bit awkward to my ear, yes.

Would it be better as follows:

"Both Findley and Wilson have shown that the impacts of the Second World War were not limited to the battlefront, and that it has affected, in one way or another, everyone."

CalifJimLack of clarity. A sentence should deliver its message in a clear and straightforward manner and then stop. The reader should not have to exert any effort to read the sentence and grasp its meaning. The meaning should be clear on first reading. Typically a sentence is judged awkward when the reader feels confused by the order in which the words, phrases, and clauses are arranged. For example, here's an awkward sentence:

If someone, who has not read the stories, is unable to understand a sentence, then it would be considered awkward?

Thanks!

CalifJim · Answer

S-C-3-1-3Would the revised sentence be favorable:

"When a person views conflict between people of different nationalities, he or she may not realize it could be because of the Second World War, and merely see two regular individuals having a conflict."

Yes. This one is better.

S-C-3-1-3Would it be better as follows:

"Both Findley and Wilson have shown that the impacts of the Second World War were not limited to the battlefront, and that it has affected, in one way or another, everyone."

Yes. This is better, though I'm sure you know that the usual order is "... has affected everyone in one way or another."

S-C-3-1-3If someone, who has not read the stories, is unable to understand a sentence, then it would be considered awkward?

No. That the reader fails to understand a sentence is not itself the mark of an awkward sentence. The reader may not be very familiar with the subject matter, for example, or have a very limited vocabulary. The description "awkward" applies when the reader has difficulty understanding on first reading because of the way the writer has written the sentence.

CJ

S-C-3-1-3 · Answer

CalifJimYes. This is better, though I'm sure you know that the usual order is "... has affected everyone in one way or another."

Yes, this sounds a lot better. Could you provide me with the name of this rule, becasue I would love to read more about it!

Which of the following sentences is better and why:

a) One does not usually think about the soldier at home, suffering from depression, due to what he or she has witnessed, and/or what he or she has participated in.

or

b)
One does not usually recall the devastating effects to the soldier at home. The soldier who was suffering from depression, due to what was witnessed and/or participated in.

Which is the preferable subject in an academic literature paper: "we" or "one."

Thanks!

Run-on sentences and awkwardness?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions