1. Understand What a Run-On Sentence Is:
* A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
* Example: *The cat chased the mouse the mouse ran under the couch.*
2. Methods for Fixing Run-On Sentences:
* Use a Period (.)
* Example: *The cat chased the mouse. The mouse ran under the couch.*
* Use a Semicolon (;)
* Use a semicolon when the clauses are closely related in meaning.
* Example: *The cat chased the mouse; the mouse ran under the couch.*
* Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS):
* FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
* Example: *The cat chased the mouse, but the mouse ran under the couch.*
* Use a Subordinating Conjunction:
* Subordinating conjunctions create dependent clauses that cannot stand alone. Examples: because, since, although, while, when, if, unless, etc.
* Example: *The cat chased the mouse because the mouse ran under the couch.*
* Make One Clause Dependent:
* Change a clause into a phrase by removing the subject or verb.
* Example: *Chasing the mouse, the cat scurried under the couch.*
3. Practice and Be Aware:
* Reading your writing out loud can help you identify run-on sentences.
* Pay attention to your sentence structure and use punctuation correctly.
* Be aware of the difference between independent and dependent clauses.
Example:
* Run-on: The dog barked at the mailman, he ran away scared.
* Fixed: The dog barked at the mailman, and he ran away scared.
* Fixed: The dog barked at the mailman. He ran away scared.
By understanding run-on sentences and implementing these fixes, you can improve the clarity and readability of your writing.