Run-ons and Comma Splices
Run-ons The following is an example of a run-on sentence: I was hesitant to take the calculus class math has never been my best subject. What is the mistake with this sentence? How would you fix it?
One way to correct a run-on sentence One way to correct a run-on is to put a period between the two independent clauses. Ex. I was hesitant to take the calculus class. Math has never been my best subject.
A second way to correct a run-on You could also use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to separate the two independent clauses. Ex. I was hesitant to take the calculus class, for math has never been my best subject. If you choose this way to correct a run-on, be sure to choose a coordinating conjunction that makes sense with the rest of the sentence.
A third way to correct a run-on You could use a semicolon between the independent clauses. Ex. I was hesitant to take the calculus class; math has never been my best subject. In order to use the semicolon correctly, the two independent clauses need to be related and you MUST have an independent clause on each side of the semicolon.
Yet another way to correct a run-on The fourth way to correct a run-on is to make one of the clauses dependent by adding a subordinating conjunction. Ex. I was hesitant to take the calculus class because math has never been my best subject. If you make the first clause dependent, be sure to put a comma between the two clauses.
Comma Splices The following is an example of a comma splice: I heard a strange noise, then the lights went out. What is wrong with this sentence? How would you correct it?
Ways to correct a comma splice The same four corrections for a run-on can also be used to correct a comma splice. Add a period Add a coordinating conjunction Add a semicolon Make one clause dependent
Corrections I heard a strange noise. Then the lights went out. I heard a strange noise, and then the lights went out. I heard a strange noise; then the lights went out. After I heard a strange noise, the lights went out.