Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined improperly, either without punctuation or with incorrect punctuation. These errors can make sentences confusing and disrupt the flow of your writing.
Fixing run-on sentences is straightforward, and understanding how to correct them can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
Quick Answer: What Is a Run-On Sentence?
A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are connected incorrectly. This can happen when clauses are joined without punctuation or with improper punctuation.
Example of a run-on sentence:
- I went to the store I bought some milk.
In this example, two independent clauses (“I went to the store” and “I bought some milk”) are incorrectly joined.
The Rule Explained
A run-on sentence happens when two independent clauses are improperly connected. An independent clause is a complete thought, with a subject and a verb.
There are two common types of run-on sentences:
- Fused Sentence: Two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation.
- Comma Splice: Two independent clauses are joined with just a comma, which is not enough.
Fused Sentence
A fused sentence happens when two independent clauses are joined together without punctuation.
Incorrect:
- She studied hard she passed the test.
Correct:
- She studied hard. She passed the test.
- She studied hard, and she passed the test.
In this case, you can fix the sentence by either using a period or a conjunction like and.
Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma, which is insufficient.
Incorrect:
- The weather was nice, we went for a walk.
Correct:
- The weather was nice, so we went for a walk.
- The weather was nice. We went for a walk.
In this case, you can fix the sentence with a conjunction like so, or separate the clauses with a period.
When to Use It
Run-on sentences should be avoided because they confuse the reader. Instead, use proper punctuation or conjunctions to join independent clauses.
Correct approaches:
- Use a period to separate independent clauses.
- Use a semicolon if the clauses are closely related.
- Use a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, or, yet, for, nor) to connect the clauses.
Example:
- I went to the store; I bought some milk.
- I went to the store, and I bought some milk.
When Not to Use It
Run-on sentences should not be used because they disrupt clarity. Correct punctuation and conjunctions help keep your sentences flowing naturally.
Incorrect:
- She was tired she still went to the meeting.
Correct:
- She was tired, but she still went to the meeting.
Common Mistakes
Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma.
Incorrect:
- The cake was delicious, we ate it all.
Correct:
- The cake was delicious, so we ate it all.
Fused Sentences
A fused sentence happens when two independent clauses are joined without punctuation.
Incorrect:
- He studied all night he was prepared for the test.
Correct:
- He studied all night. He was prepared for the test.
Too Many Conjunctions
Using conjunctions without the proper punctuation can also lead to run-on sentences.
Incorrect:
- She went to the store and she bought some fruit.
Correct:
- She went to the store, and she bought some fruit.
Correct Examples
Here’s how to fix common run-on sentence errors:
| Run-On Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| I forgot my keys I had to go back to the office. | I forgot my keys, so I had to go back to the office. |
| She likes to read she doesn’t like to watch TV. | She likes to read, but she doesn’t like to watch TV. |
| The dog ran fast the cat chased it. | The dog ran fast. The cat chased it. |
Quick Memory Fix or Rule of Thumb
When two independent clauses are joined together, make sure they are separated by:
- A period
- A semicolon
- A comma + conjunction
FAQs
How do you fix a run-on sentence?
Use a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction to separate the clauses.
What is the difference between a comma splice and a run-on?
A comma splice uses only a comma to connect independent clauses, while a run-on may not use any punctuation at all.
Why are run-on sentences wrong?
Run-on sentences confuse the reader by presenting multiple ideas without clear boundaries.
Conclusion
Run-on sentences happen when independent clauses are improperly joined, making writing unclear. By using the correct punctuation or conjunctions, you can make your sentences clearer, more concise, and easier to follow. Whether you use periods, semicolons, or conjunctions, fixing run-ons is a simple way to improve the clarity and flow of your writing. Copy Export
