Writing Complete Sentences Run-On Sentences

Grammar Notes: Run-On Sentences  A run-on sentence is two or more sentences written as though they were one sentence. A run-on sentence is a grammatical error.  A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence. A comma splice occurs when two sentences are run together with only a comma to separate them. A comma splice is a grammatical error.

What does a run-on sentence look like? Run-On Sentence Example: The students were eager to return from vacation they were bored sitting around all day with their parents.  This sentence has two sets of subjects and verbs without the appropriate punctuation to separate them.

Comma Splice Example: Students at Lawton High School strive for success, they complete their assignments in a timely fashion.  This sentence has two sets of subjects and verbs run together with only a comma to separate them. What does a run-on sentence look like?

How can a run-on sentence be corrected? Run-On Fix #1: Make two separate sentences by using a period and a capital letter.  Run-On Example: William Shakespeare wrote many popular plays several of his plays are still taught in schools.  Corrected with Fix #1: William Shakespeare wrote many popular plays. Several of his plays are still taught in schools.

How can a run-on sentence be corrected? Run-On Fix #2: Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction. If the error was a comma splice, only add a coordinating conjunction. The coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)  Run-On Example: My sister is a terrible volleyball player she is an excellent basketball player.  Corrected with Fix #2: My sister is a terrible volleyball player, but she is an excellent basketball player.

How can a run-on sentence be corrected? Run-On Fix #3: If the two sentences are closely related, add a semicolon.  Run-On Example: My cousin Fred is a skilled soccer player he attended training camp for three summers to excel in his sport.  Corrected with Fix #3: My cousin Fred is a skilled soccer player; he attended training camp for three summers to excel in his sport.

How can a run-on sentence be corrected? Run-On Fix #4: Add a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb, and a comma if needed. Conjunctive adverbs: accordingly, also, besides, consequently, finally, furthermore, hence, however, instead, nevertheless, otherwise, similarly, still, therefore, thus  Run-On Example: My mother bakes the best homemade chocolate chip cookies the local bakery makes some that come close.  Corrected with Fix #4: My mother bakes the best homemade chocolate chip cookies; however, the local bakery makes some that come close.

How can a run-on sentence be corrected? Run-On Fix #5: Make one of the sentences a subordinate clause by adding a subordinating conjunction. Then add a comma to separate the new subordinating clause from the main sentence. Subordinating conjunctions: after, although, as, as if, as though, because, before, even though, if, in order that, provided, since, so that, than, unless, until, when, where, whereas, while  Run-On Example: The students completed a project on the French revolution they presented the information to the class.  Corrected with Fix #5: After the students completed a project on the French revolution, they presented the information to the class.