<aside> 💡 See also Grammar Alert: Avoiding the Comma Splice Trap (CS).

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Run-on sentence

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (clauses that can stand alone as separate sentences) are improperly joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. These sentences can be confusing and difficult to read due to their improper structure. There are several effective methods to correct run-on sentences:

1. Use a Period

• Separate the Independent Clauses: The simplest way to fix a run-on is to split the clauses into separate sentences using a period.
• Example:
  • Run-On: "She loves reading she goes to the library every week."
  • Corrected: "She loves reading. She goes to the library every week."

2. Use a Semicolon

• Join Clauses with a Semicolon: If the clauses are closely related, a semicolon can be used to join them more effectively than a period.
• Example:
  • Run-On: "He didn’t study he failed the test."
  • Corrected: "He didn’t study; he failed the test."

3. Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction

• Use a Comma Before a Conjunction: If the clauses are closely connected, you can use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
• Example:
  • Run-On: "It was raining we stayed indoors."
  • Corrected: "It was raining, so we stayed indoors."

4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction

• Create a Complex Sentence: You can turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction (because, since, although, if, when, etc.).
• Example:
  • Run-On: "She was tired she stayed awake."
  • Corrected: "Although she was tired, she stayed awake."

5. Use a Colon or Dash

• Colon for Explanation or List: If the second clause explains or expands on the first, a colon can be appropriate.
• Dash for Emphasis or Interruption: A dash can be used for emphasis or to indicate an abrupt change in thought.
• Example:
  • Run-On: "She has two hobbies reading and painting."
  • Corrected: "She has two hobbies: reading and painting."

Examples of Correcting Run-On Sentences