What characterizes a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence is characterized by a lack of necessary punctuation and/or connecting words, which creates confusion in the sentence structure. In typical sentence construction, independent clauses should be properly connected by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., "and," "but") or separated by punctuation such as commas or semicolons. When these elements are missing, the result is a run-on sentence, making it difficult for readers to discern where one thought ends and another begins.

Thus, this choice accurately captures the defining feature of a run-on sentence, highlighting the importance of correct punctuation and conjunction use in clarifying sentence meaning. This understanding is essential for improving writing skills, as recognizing and correcting run-on sentences helps in creating clearer and more effective communication.