Question

Is the following a run-on sentence? "I was shocked to learn that he had a hefty collection of hip hop saved on his mp3 player; furthermore, I was shocked that he knew how to use the technology."

Option 1: Yes
Option 2: No
Option 3: Partially run-on
Option 4: Can't be determined without more context

Answer 1

The sentence in question is not a run-on sentence, as it properly uses a semicolon and a transitional phrase to connect two independent clauses. The correct answer is option (2) No.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sentence in question is NOT a run-on sentence. It is a compound sentence properly connected by a semicolon, followed by the transitional phrase 'furthermore'. This kind of sentence structure is acceptable and follows standard rules of English punctuation where two independent clauses are linked by a semicolon and a transitional phrase.

For example:

• Example 1 - The roof of that car was covered in Astroturf; a strange sight!
• Example 2 - Quentin's father gave him a golden pocket watch; which was a priceless family heirloom.

In essence, the sentence shared by the student is correctly punctuated and expresses two related but independent thoughts without creating a run-on. It's much like Example 1 where the semicolon is correctly used. The correct answer is option (2) No.