Run On Sentence Example
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This can make the sentence confusing and hard to read.
Common types of run-on sentences include fused sentences and comma splices, where clauses are improperly connected, leading to unclear communication.
What is a Run-on Sentence?
Run-on sentences happen when independent clauses are improperly connected. There are two common types: fused sentences and comma splices.
Fused Sentence:
- She loves reading she goes to the library often.
Comma Splice:
- She loves reading, she goes to the library often.
Both examples show two complete thoughts jammed together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Why Avoid Run-on Sentences?
Run-on sentences can confuse readers and disrupt the clarity of your message. Proper sentence boundaries ensure that each thought is distinct and easily understood.
Example of Confusion:
- Run-on: He likes pizza he eats it every day.
- Corrected: He likes pizza. He eats it every day.
In the corrected sentence, the two ideas are clearly separated, making the message easy to follow.
Examples of Run-on Sentences and Corrections
Identifying and correcting run-on sentences is straightforward once you know how. Here are some examples with corrections:
Example 1:
- Run-on: The weather is nice we should go for a walk.
- Correction: The weather is nice. We should go for a walk.
Example 2:
- Run-on: She studied hard she passed the test.
- Correction: She studied hard, so she passed the test.
Example 3:
- Run-on: He didn’t like the movie it was too long.
- Correction: He didn’t like the movie because it was too long.
Each correction uses periods, conjunctions, or commas with conjunctions to properly separate the clauses.
Tips to Avoid Run-on Sentences
To avoid run-on sentences, follow these practical tips:
Use Periods: Separate independent clauses with periods.
- The sun is shining. We should go outside.
Use Semicolons: Link closely related ideas with semicolons.
- The project is due soon; we need to start working.
Use Conjunctions: Connect clauses with conjunctions like and, but, or so.
- She wanted to join the club, but she missed the deadline.
Common Mistakes:
Misusing commas without conjunctions: Avoid comma splices by adding conjunctions.
- Run-on: The meeting was long, we were tired.
- Correction: The meeting was long, and we were tired.
Stringing too many clauses together: Limit the number of independent clauses in a sentence to maintain clarity.
- Run-on: She loves music, she plays the piano, she writes songs.
- Correction: She loves music. She plays the piano and writes songs.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, try correcting these run-on sentences:
Exercise 1:
- The cat is hungry it keeps meowing.
Exercise 2:
- I need to buy groceries I will go to the store after work.
Exercise 3:
- He finished his homework he went to play outside.
Exercise 4:
- The car needs gas we should stop at the station.
Exercise 5:
- She enjoys baking cakes she makes one every week.
Answers:
- The cat is hungry. It keeps meowing.
- I need to buy groceries, so I will go to the store after work.
- He finished his homework, then he went to play outside.
- The car needs gas; we should stop at the station.
- She enjoys baking cakes, and she makes one every week.