1. Look for independent clauses:
* An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
* Example: "The cat sat on the mat." (Subject: cat, Verb: sat)
2. Check for conjunctions:
* Conjunctions like "and," "but," "or," "so," "yet," "for," and "nor" can join two independent clauses.
* Example: "The cat sat on the mat, and the dog barked at the mailman."
3. Look for punctuation:
* A period (.), semicolon (;), or colon (:) can separate two independent clauses.
* Example: "The cat sat on the mat; the dog barked at the mailman."
4. Identify the absence of correct punctuation or conjunctions:
* Run-on Example: "The cat sat on the mat the dog barked at the mailman." (No punctuation or conjunction)
Here are some common types of run-on sentences:
* Comma splice: Two independent clauses are joined with only a comma.
* Fused sentence: Two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction.
Here are some tips to correct run-on sentences:
* Use a period: Separate the independent clauses with a period.
* Use a semicolon: Join the independent clauses with a semicolon.
* Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction: Join the independent clauses with a comma followed by a conjunction like "and," "but," "or," "so," "yet," "for," or "nor."
* Use a subordinating conjunction: Make one of the independent clauses a dependent clause by using a subordinating conjunction like "because," "although," "since," "when," "while," "if," or "unless."
Example:
Run-on: "The cat sat on the mat the dog barked at the mailman."
Corrected:
* "The cat sat on the mat. The dog barked at the mailman." (Period)
* "The cat sat on the mat; the dog barked at the mailman." (Semicolon)
* "The cat sat on the mat, and the dog barked at the mailman." (Comma and conjunction)
* "Because the cat sat on the mat, the dog barked at the mailman." (Subordinating conjunction)