What is it called when two or more complete thoughts are improperly punctuated into one sentence?

When two or more complete thoughts are improperly punctuated into one sentence, it is referred to as a run-on or fused sentence. This type of error occurs when independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, leading to a lack of clarity in communication.

Clear and accurate sentence structure is critical in technical writing, such as in power engineering documentation, to convey complex information effectively. A run-on sentence can confuse the reader by blending distinct ideas, making it challenging to discern where one thought ends and another begins. Correcting a run-on sentence typically involves adding punctuation, such as a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction, to separate the independent thoughts, thus enhancing readability and comprehension.

In contrast, a fragmented sentence lacks a complete thought and fails to communicate a clear idea, while a partial sentence does not express a full idea either. A possessive sentence involves ownership or relationship, which is outside the realm of punctuation issues regarding independent clauses.