Which best describes the role of punctuation in preventing run-ons and fragments?

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Punctuation marks establish where one thought ends and another begins, and they show how ideas relate to each other, so sentences stay clear and correct. When two independent ideas appear in sequence, using a period, semicolon, or a comma with a coordinating conjunction signals that those ideas are connected but separate, which prevents run-ons from fusing two complete thoughts without proper ties. At the same time, proper punctuation helps identify fragments by ensuring that each sentence has a complete, standalone thought with a subject and a verb, or by correctly joining dependent clauses to a main clause so nothing is left as an incomplete sentence. Punctuation also clarifies relationships like cause and effect, addition, or contrast, guiding the reader through the logic of the sentence. In short, punctuation is the tool that marks boundaries and links, keeping writing grammatically sound and easy to follow.