What are Run-on Sentences & How to Fix Them?

Have you ever written a sentence that seemed to go on forever, leaving your reader gasping for breath by the end? If so, you’ve encountered the dreaded run-on sentence.

A run-on sentence is a common grammatical error where two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.

Understanding and fixing run-on sentences is crucial for clear and effective communication. They can confuse readers and obscure your message, making your writing harder to understand.

Table of Contents

What are Run-On sentences in English?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are improperly connected. This results in a sentence that is grammatically incorrect and often hard to read.

Types of Run-On Sentences

1. Fused Sentences

These occur when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction.
Example:
Incorrect: “The sun is high put on some sunscreen.”
Correct: “The sun is high. Put on some sunscreen.”

2. Comma Splice

These occur when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.
Example:
Incorrect: “It’s raining outside, I forgot my umbrella.”
Correct: “It’s raining outside, and I forgot my umbrella.”

Common Causes of Run-On Sentences

1. Lack of Punctuation

Writers sometimes forget to use periods, commas, or semicolons to separate independent clauses.

2. Misuse of Conjunctions

Using conjunctions incorrectly or failing to use them where needed can lead to run-on sentences.

3. Overly complex Thoughts

Trying to express too many ideas in a single sentence often results in a run-on.

Identifying Run-On Sentences

Tips and Tricks

Read Aloud: If you run out of breath or the sentence seems too long, it might be a run-on.

Look for Independent Clauses: Identify parts of the sentence that could stand alone as complete thoughts.

Examples and Exercises

Example 1:
Incorrect: “She loves to read she goes to the library every day.”
Correct: “She loves to read. She goes to the library every day.”
Example 2:
Incorrect: “The car broke down we were late to the meeting.”
Correct: “The car broke down, so we were late to the meeting.”

How to Fix Run-On Sentences

1. Use of Periods

Explanation:
Separate independent clauses into distinct sentences using periods.
Examples:

Incorrect: “I love to write it helps me relax.”
Correct: “I love to write. It helps me relax.”

2. Use of Commas and Coordinating Conjunctions

Explanation:
Use commas followed by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) to link independent clauses.
Examples:

Incorrect: “She was tired she continued working.”
Correct: “She was tired, but she continued working.”

3. Use of Semicolons

Explanation:
Use semicolons to link closely related independent clauses.
Examples:

Incorrect: “The test was difficult many students failed.”
Correct: “The test was difficult; many students failed.”

4. Use of Subordinating Conjunctions

Explanation:
Use subordinating conjunctions (because, although, if, etc.) to create complex sentences.
Examples:

Incorrect: “He didn’t study he failed the exam.”
Correct: “Because he didn’t study, he failed the exam.”

5. Revision and Simplification

Explanation:
Simplify overly complex sentences to enhance clarity.
Examples:

Incorrect: “Running every morning is good for your health it keeps you fit and active.”
Correct: “Running every morning is good for your health. It keeps you fit and active.”

Practice Exercises

1. Identifying Run-on Sentences

“The weather is nice we should go for a walk.”
“She didn’t like the movie it was too long.”

2. Correcting Run-on Sentences

“The weather is nice we should go for a walk.”

Correct: “The weather is nice. We should go for a walk.”

“She didn’t like the movie it was too long.”

Correct: “She didn’t like the movie because it was too long.”

Conclusion

We’ve explored what run-on sentences are, the common types, and how to identify and fix them.

Always proofread your work, and when in doubt, read your sentences aloud.

Keep practicing! Clear and concise writing is a skill that improves with attention and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Affirmative Sentences

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about run-on sentences.

What are run-on sentences?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. This results in a grammatically incorrect and often confusing sentence.

What are some of the examples of run-on sentences?

Incorrect (Fused Sentence): “The sun is high put on some sunscreen.”
Correct: “The sun is high. Put on some sunscreen.”

Incorrect (Comma Splice): “It’s raining outside, I forgot my umbrella.”
Correct: “It’s raining outside, and I forgot my umbrella.”

What are the types of run-on sentences?

There are two main types of run-on sentences:

Fused Sentences: Two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction.
Comma Splices: Two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

How can I identify a run-on sentence in my writing?

To identify a run-on sentence, read your sentence aloud. If you run out of breath or it seems too long, it might be a run-on. Look for parts of the sentence that could stand alone as complete thoughts. If they are not properly joined, you likely have a run-on sentence.

What are the common causes of run-on sentences?

Common causes include a lack of punctuation, misuse of conjunctions, and trying to express too many ideas in a single sentence.

How can I fix a run-on sentence?

There are several ways to fix a run-on sentence:

Use Periods: Separate independent clauses into distinct sentences.
Use Commas and Coordinating Conjunctions: Link independent clauses with a comma followed by a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).
Use Semicolons: Link closely related independent clauses with a semicolon.
Use Subordinating Conjunctions: Create complex sentences with conjunctions like because, although, if.
Revise and Simplify: Break down overly complex sentences to enhance clarity.

What is the difference between an independent cluase and a dependent cluase?

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it contains a subject and a predicate. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on an independent clause to give it meaning.

Why is it important to avoid run-on sentences?

Avoiding run-on sentences is important because they can confuse readers, obscure your message, and make your writing harder to understand. Clear and concise writing enhances communication and ensures your ideas are effectively conveyed.

I hope this article helped you learn what are run-on sentences and how fix them.

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