Describe your image
RUwrite
Run-ons
Introduction
Just as short, incomplete sentences can be problematic, lengthy sentences can be problematic too. Sentences with two or more independent clauses that have been incorrectly combined are known as run-on sentences. A run-on sentence may be either a fused sentence or a comma splice.
Fused sentence: A family of foxes lived under our shed young foxes played all over the yard.
Comma splice: We looked outside, the kids were hopping on the trampoline.
When two complete sentences are combined into one without any punctuation, the result is a fused sentence. When two complete sentences are joined by a comma, the result is a comma splice. Both errors can easily be fixed.
​
Learning Outcomes
​
By the end of this learning experience, you should feel confident with the following:
​
-
Identifying parts of a sentence​
-
Determining the correct use of predicates
-
Integrating phrases and clauses into sentence construction
-
Classifying sentences by type
Fixing Run-Ons
Punctuation
One way to correct run-on sentences is to correct the punctuation. For example, adding a period will correct the run-on by creating two separate sentences.
Run-on [Comma Splice]: There were no seats left, we had to stand in the back.
Complete Sentence: There were no seats left. We had to stand in the back.
Using a semicolon between the two complete sentences will also correct the error. A semicolon allows you to keep the two closely related ideas together in one sentence. When you punctuate with a semicolon, make sure that both parts of the sentence are independent clauses.
Run-on [Fused Sentence]: The accident closed both lanes of traffic we waited an hour for the wreckage to be cleared.
Complete Sentence: The accident closed both lanes of traffic; we waited an hour for the wreckage to be cleared.
When you use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses, you may wish to add a transition word to show the connection between the two thoughts. After the semicolon, add the transition word and follow it with a comma.
Run-on [Fused Sentence]: The project was put on hold we didn’t have time to slow down, so we kept working.
Complete Sentence: The project was put on hold; however, we didn’t have time to slow down, so we kept working.
Coordinating Conjunctions
You can also fix run-on sentences by adding a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A coordinating conjunction acts as a link between two independent clauses.
Tip
These are the seven coordinating conjunctions that you can use: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Use these words appropriately when you want to link the two independent clauses. The acronym FANBOYS will help you remember this group of coordinating conjunctions.
Run-on [Comma Splice]: The new printer was installed, no one knew how to use it.
Complete Sentence: The new printer was installed, but no one knew how to use it.
Dependent Words
Adding dependent words is another way to link independent clauses. Like the coordinating conjunctions, dependent words show a relationship between two independent clauses.
Run-on [Comma Splice]: We took the elevator, the others still got there before us.
Complete Sentence: Although we took the elevator, the others got there before us.
Run-on [Fused Sentence]: Cobwebs covered the furniture the room hadn’t been used in years.
Complete Sentence: Cobwebs covered the furniture because the room hadn’t been used in years.
​
Common Dependent Clause Errors
When starting a dependent clause with since or because, it feels like there should be a comma. However, dependent clauses in the middle of a sentence do not have a comma.
Examples:
You can take the night shift since you have better vision in the dark.
I bought you green tea because it is your favorite.
​
For additional information about dependent words, please see the sentence types and purposes information in module 2.1.
Practice
Once you have completed the practice quiz, scroll up inside the quiz box and
click "view score" and see the correct answers.
Writing at Work
​
Isabelle’s e-mail opens with two fragments and two run-on sentences containing comma splices. The e-mail ends with another fragment. What effect would this e-mail have on Mr. Blankenship or other readers? Mr. Blankenship or other readers may not think highly of Isaebelle’s communication skills or—worse—may not understand the message at all! Communications written in precise, complete sentences are not only more professional but also easier to understand. Before you hit the “send” button, read your e-mail carefully to make sure that the sentences are complete, are not run together, and are correctly punctuated.
Practice
Once you have completed the practice quiz, scroll up inside the quiz box and
click "view score" and see the correct answers.
Flowchart Review
You can use the following flowchart to check whether or not a sentence is a run-on:
Licensing and Attribution
​
The above is adapted from Chapter 2.1 of Writing For Success. Writing for Success by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
The flowchart is from About Writing: A Guide by Robin Jeffrey. About Writing: A Guide is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.