What is a Run-On Sentence?
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences) are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. They can be confusing and make your writing hard to follow.
Common Types of Run-Ons
* Comma Splice: Two independent clauses joined only by a comma.
* *Example:* The dog barked loudly, the mailman ran away.
* Fused Sentence: Two independent clauses joined without any punctuation.
* *Example:* The dog barked loudly the mailman ran away.
How to Fix Run-On Sentences
1. Use a Period (.)
* Example: The dog barked loudly. The mailman ran away.
2. Use a Semicolon (;)
* *Example:* The dog barked loudly; the mailman ran away.
* Note: Semicolons work best when the two clauses are closely related in meaning.
3. Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)
* FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
* *Example:* The dog barked loudly, but the mailman ran away.
4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction
* *Example:* Because the dog barked loudly, the mailman ran away.
5. Create Two Separate Sentences
* *Example:* The dog barked loudly. The mailman ran away in fear.
Tips for Avoiding Run-On Sentences:
* Pause: When you're writing, pause after each independent clause and consider how to connect it to the next one.
* Read Aloud: Reading your writing aloud helps you identify where you might have run-on sentences.
* Look for Common Clues: Watch out for common run-on triggers like "and," "but," "so," and "then."
Example:
Run-on: The dog barked loudly, the mailman ran away he was very scared.
Corrected: The dog barked loudly. The mailman ran away; he was very scared.