1. Run-On Sentences

2. What is a Run-On Sentence? A run-on sentence is 2 or more independent clauses (complete sentences) that are joined WITHOUT appropriate punctuation or conjunction. They are a COMMON mistake in writing! BE ALERT!!!

3. What are Examples of Run-On Sentences? My dog ran down the road after a cat then I ran after him. This sentence goes on and on and on! American Idol is coming on TV soon I am so excited to see it again. This sentence is actually 2 sentences thrown together!

4. More examples: My little brother took a candy bar from the store my mom didn’t let him play the Wii for a week. This is 2 sentences thrown together! I went to Disney World last summer it was so much fun. This is 2 sentences in one!

5. How can I avoid Run-Ons? 1) Put a period at the end of the first sentence. WRONG: My dog ran down the road after a cat then I ran after him. RIGHT: My dog ran down the road after a cat. Then I ran after him.

6. How to Avoid Run-Ons 2) Use a comma and a conjunction to combine the sentences correctly. Conjunctions may be: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so (FANBOYS) WRONG: I went to Disney World last summer it was so much fun. RIGHT: I went to Disney World last summer, and it was so much fun.

7. How to Avoid Run-Ons 3) Use a semicolon between the sentences to combine them correctly. WRONG: I saw my favorite band in concert, they were so awesome! RIGHT: I saw my favorite band in concert; they were so awesome!

8. Your Turn to Practice Turn these run-ons into complete sentences by using one of the 3 rules. 1. Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot. 2. Einstein is famous for E=mc² Edison is famous for the invention of the light bulb. 3. Mr. France’s car broke down he needs to buy a new one. 4. Nicole loved visiting Asheville Jonathan preferred just to stay in Durham.