Fixing Run-on Sentences Clause – a group of words that contain a subject and a verb Independent clause –makes sense as a sentence; can stand on its own. Eg. Our school started a community service program. Dependent (subordinate) clause - does not make sense on its own; it must be linked to the independent clause. Eg. Whatever time they have.

Comma Splice When you try to combine two independent clauses with a comma, it creates a “comma splice” (not good). A comma is not enough of a pause to divide the two clauses. When you try to combine two independent clauses without any punctuation, it creates a “fused” sentence (not good).

Remedies for Comma Splices or Fused Sentences 1.Put a period between the two independent clauses. eg. Spanish is easy. German is hard. 2.Join the two independent clauses with a coordinate conjunction (and, but, for, or, so, yet) eg. Spanish is easy, but German is hard. 3.Convert one of the independent clauses to a dependent clauses by adding a subordinate conjunction (although, since, while, etc.) eg. Although Spanish is easy, German is hard. 4.When the two independent clauses are closely related in meaning, join them with a semi-colon. eg.Spanish is easy; German is hard. Or eg. Spanish is easy; however, German is hard. Note comma after “however”. Other linking words include “therefore”, “consequently”, “moreover” etc.