Run-on Sentence

What is a Run-on Sentence?

A run-on sentence is a grammatical error that occurs when two or more independent clauses are connected improperly. Independent clauses are groups of words that can stand alone as complete sentences.

When these clauses are joined without the right punctuation or conjunctions, it results in a run-on sentence. For example:

• Incorrect: "I love to write it is one of my favorite hobbies."

• Correct: "I love to write. It is one of my favorite hobbies."

Run-on sentences can make your writing confusing and difficult to read, as they prevent clear separation of ideas.

Types of Run-on Sentences

Understanding the types of run-on sentences can help you identify and fix them more effectively. There are two main types: fused sentences and comma splices.

Fused Sentences

A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation.

Examples: 

• "She enjoys reading she goes to the library every week."

• "We went to the beach we had a great time."

• "He finished his work he went out for a walk."

• "The store was closed we went to a different one."

• "They planned the event it was a huge success."

Comma Splices

A comma splice happens when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Examples:

• "He likes to swim, he goes to the pool every day."

• "I wanted to buy a new phone, I went to the store."

• "She studied hard for the test, she got a high score."

• "The movie was long, we enjoyed it."

• "He was tired, he went to bed early."

How to Identify Run-on Sentences

Spotting run-on sentences can be tricky, but there are some strategies you can use to make it easier:

• Read Aloud: Reading your sentences out loud can help you hear where natural pauses should occur.

• Look for Independent Clauses: Identify whether your sentence contains multiple independent clauses. If it does, check if they are joined correctly.

• Check Punctuation: Ensure that you are using appropriate punctuation to separate independent clauses.

Try identifying the run-on sentences in these examples:

• "The sun is shining we should go to the park."

• "She loves painting, she often creates beautiful art pieces."

• "He enjoys playing basketball it is his favorite sport."

• "The weather was cold, we stayed indoors."

• "She baked a cake, it was delicious."

Techniques to Fix Run-on Sentences

Once you've identified a run-on sentence, there are several ways to fix it. Here are three effective techniques:

Using Periods

The simplest way to fix a run-on sentence is to separate the independent clauses into distinct sentences using periods.

Examples:

• "The sun is shining. We should go to the park."

• "He enjoys playing basketball. It is his favorite sport."

• "She baked a cake. It was delicious."

• "The movie was long. We enjoyed it."

• "She loves painting. She often creates beautiful art pieces."

Using Semicolons

A semicolon can be used to join closely related independent clauses. This method shows a stronger relationship between the clauses than a period.

Examples:

• "She loves painting; she often creates beautiful art pieces."

• "The weather was cold; we stayed indoors."

• "He finished his work; he went out for a walk."

• "We went to the beach; we had a great time."

• "I wanted to buy a new phone; I went to the store."

Using Conjunctions

You can use coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to connect independent clauses, along with a comma.

Examples:

• "He likes to swim, so he goes to the pool every day."

• "I wanted to buy a new phone, so I went to the store."

• "She studied hard for the test, and she got a high score."

• "The movie was long, but we enjoyed it."

• "He was tired, so he went to bed early."

Subordinating conjunction

Like: because, although, since, etc. can also be used to join clauses, making one clause dependent on the other.

Examples:

• "Because she loves reading, she goes to the library every week."

• "Since he enjoys playing basketball, it is his favorite sport."

• "Although the weather was cold, we stayed indoors."

• "Because she baked a cake, it was delicious."

• "Since we went to the beach, we had a great time."

Practice Exercises

Let’s practice identifying and fixing run-on sentences. Correct the following sentences:

1. "The cat is sleeping it looks very comfortable."

2. "I finished my homework I watched a movie."

3. "They wanted to travel they saved money for months."

4. "He plays the guitar he practices every day."

5. "The car broke down we called for help."

Answers:

1. "The cat is sleeping. It looks very comfortable."

2. "I finished my homework, and I watched a movie."

3. "They wanted to travel, so they saved money for months."

4. "He plays the guitar; he practices every day."

5. "The car broke down, so we called for help."

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