1. Run-on Sentences Writing Center Workshop

2. The Sentence Definition: A sentence is a complete thought, usually containing at least one or more independent clauses, beginning with a capital letter and ending with a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point. An independent clause is a cluster of words that contains a subject and a predicate and that can “stand alone.”

3. Run-on Sentences Definition: A run-on sentence is punctuating and putting together two or more sentences as if they were one. There are two basic types of run-on sentences: 1. Fused Sentence 2. Comma Splice

4. Fused Sentences w Definition: In fused sentences, two or more independent clauses “run together” with no punctuation. w Example: The boy ate his dinner his sister played quietly in the corner. Train analogy (above): The train cars are run together without any coupling devices. Independent Clause

5. Comma Splices w Definition: In comma splices, two or more independent clauses are joined by a comma only. w Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner. Train analogy (above): The train cars are joined together with inadequate coupling devices. Independent Clause,,

6. The Most Common Comma Splice Error The most common comma splice error is the conjunctive adverb comma splice. Common conjunctive adverbs: again, also, besides, consequently, further, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, likewise, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, then, therefore, thus

7. Conjunctive Adverb Comma Splice w Rule: When joining independent clauses, the conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semi-colon and followed by a comma. w Example of Error: The boy ate his dinner, however, his sister played quietly in the corner. w Correction: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.

8. Five Basic Ways of Correcting a Run-on Sentence w Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction w Semi-colon w Period and Capital Letter w Subordinate Clauses w Conjunctive Adverb

9. Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet). w Example: The boy ate his dinner, but his sister played quietly in the corner.

10. Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction w Rule: If there are more than two independent clauses in a series, separate the final two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. w Note that independent clauses other than the final two are separated with commas. w Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner, and his mother worked on the “spill” the children had made.

11. Semi-colon w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w Separate those two or more independent clauses with a semi- colon. w Example: The boy ate his dinner; the sister played quietly in the corner.

12. Period and Capital Letter w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w Separate those two or more independent clauses with a period. w Then begin the following independent clause with a capital letter. w Example: The boy ate dinner. The sister played quietly in the corner.

13. Subordinate Clauses w Rule: Determine if one or more of the independent clauses can be subordinated. w If so, subordinate those clauses. w Example: While the boy ate dinner, the sister played quietly in the corner.

14. Conjunctive Adverb w Rule: Determine the independent clauses. w If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a semi-colon, conjunctive adverb, and comma. w Example: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.

15. Exceptions to the Rules* w Exception: Short, closely related independent clauses in a sequence can be joined by a comma only. w Example: He came, he saw, he conquered. * These exceptions are rare.

16. Exceptions to the Rules* w Exception: If the second of two independent clauses reverses the negative emphasis of the first, these clauses can be joined with a comma. w Example: That day I did not swim, I sold real estate. * These exceptions are rare.

17. Exceptions to the Rules* w Exception: If the second independent clause is a “tag” question, a comma may be used between the clauses. w Example: He does, doesn’t he? * These exceptions are rare.

18. References w The Random House Handbook, Fourth Edition, was used as a source for compiling definitions.