Which type of sentence structure can create confusion for the reader?

Run-on sentences can create significant confusion for readers because they improperly conjoin two or more independent clauses without the appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. This can lead to a lack of clarity, making it difficult for the reader to discern where one thought ends and another begins. The uninterrupted flow of ideas can overwhelm the reader, causing them to misinterpret the intended meaning or lose track of the overall message being conveyed.

For instance, in a run-on sentence, the ideas might become jumbled, and readers may struggle to parse the relationships between them. By contrast, compound sentences, complex sentences, and simple sentences adhere to grammatical rules that help ensure clarity. In compound sentences, independent clauses are properly linked with conjunctions or punctuation, while complex sentences effectively combine independent and dependent clauses, enhancing the richness of the text without sacrificing clarity. Simple sentences, being straightforward, convey a single idea clearly, minimizing the chances for misunderstanding.