Run-on Sentences

What is a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are improperly joined without correct punctuation or conjunctions. It can make sentences confusing and hard to read.

How do I identify a run-on sentence?

You can identify a run-on sentence by looking for sentences that contain multiple independent clauses (statements that could stand alone as separate sentences) without proper punctuation (like a period or semicolon) or conjunctions linking them.

What are the types of run-on sentences?

There are two main types:

1. Fused Sentences – independent clauses are joined without any punctuation.
2. Comma Splices – independent clauses are joined only by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

How can I fix a run-on sentence?

To fix a run-on sentence, you can:

1. Use a period to separate the clauses into two sentences.
2. Use a semicolon if the clauses are closely related.
3. Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
4. Make one clause dependent by using a subordinating conjunction (because, although, since).

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts that could stand alone as separate sentences) are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. These sentences can confuse readers because they mash together ideas without clear separation.

Let’s deep dive into the topic and learn about how to fix and avoid run-on sentences.