A run-on sentence happens when two or more complete thoughts are joined incorrectly without proper punctuation or words like “and” or “but.” This can make sentences confusing and hard to read. To fix them, we can use a period, comma with a joining word, or a semicolon. Fixing run-on sentences helps make writing clear and easy to understand.
What is a Run-on Sentence?
A run-on sentence happens when you combine two or more sentences without the right punctuation or connecting words.
- I wanted to go to the store, I needed some groceries.
- She woke up late, she missed the bus to school.
Types of Run-on Sentence
1. Comma Splice
This occurs when two independent clauses are linked by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.
- The sun was setting, it cast a warm glow on the horizon.
- I wanted to go to the store, it was already closed.
2. Fused Sentence ( or Run-on)
This happens when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction.
- The dog barked loudly, it scared the mail carrier.
- The weather was beautiful, we decided to go for a hike.
3. Conjunctive Adverb Error
A conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore, moreover) connects two independent clauses, but it cannot do so with just a comma. It requires a semicolon or a period before it.
❌ The test was difficult however I managed to pass.
✅ The test was difficult; however, I managed to pass.
4. Lack of Coordinating Conjunction
A coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, so, or, yet) is needed to join two independent clauses correctly. Without it, the sentence becomes a run-on.
❌ We were hungry we ordered pizza.
✅ We were hungry, so we ordered pizza.
How to Fix Run-on Sentence
We need to address run-on sentences involves choosing the right method based on the specific context.
1. Semicolon Usage:
We will use a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses.
- I tried to call you; no one answered.
- The weather was beautiful; we decided to go for a hike.
2. Coordinating Conjunctions:
We need to Introduce a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) with a comma to connect independent clauses.
- She loves hiking, but she’s never been camping.
- She finished her homework, and she went out to play.
3. Creating Separate Sentences:
Sometimes, the most simple solution is to break a run-on sentence into two noticeable sentences.
- The meeting lasted for hours, everyone was exhausted.
- He loves cooking, he doesn’t like cleaning up afterward.
4. Employing a Subordinate Conjunction:
We will use a subordinate conjunction (although, because, since, if) to change one of the clauses into a dependent clause.
- Although it was raining, the event continued as planned.
- After she finished her homework, she went out to play.
What Makes a Sentence Fragment?
A fragment sentence is a group of words that doesn’t express a complete thought. It’s missing something important, like who’s doing the action or what’s happening. So, it doesn’t make complete sense all by itself.
- After dinner, when the sun set.
- By the river, on a warm summer day.
Types of Sentence Fragment
1. Missing Subject:
❌ Walking in the park on a sunny day.
✅ People were walking in the park on a sunny day.
2. Missing Verb:
❌ Although tired and hungry.
✅ Although tired and hungry, we decided to continue our hike.
3. Dependent Clause as a Sentence:
❌ Because it was raining.
✅ We decided to stay indoors because it was raining.
4. Incomplete Thought:
❌ The old house with a lovely garden. Abandoned for years.
✅ The old house with a lovely garden had been abandoned for years.
5. Appositive without Main Clause:
❌ My best friend from childhood. A talented artist.
✅ My best friend from childhood, who is a talented artist, visited last weekend.
Connecting Sentence Fragments
It is required to add missing subject, verb, to correct sentence fragments and to give a complete the Thought. There are different strategies that can be used to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness:
1. Adding Missing Elements:
We need to identify what is missing (subject, verb, or both) and add the necessary elements.
- While walking in the park on a sunny day, I saw a beautiful rainbow.
- After the storm had passed, we emerged from the shelter to assess the damage.
2. Connecting Fragments:
We should join sentence fragments with main clauses to create complete sentences.
- I went to the store but forgot my wallet.
- I finished my work early and celebrated with friends.
3. Using Independent Clauses:
We need to ensure that each sentence contains at least one independent clause that can stand alone.
- I finished my work early.
- I was waiting for the bus.
4. Checking for Dependent Clauses:
We need to verify that dependent clauses are appropriately attached to independent clauses to form complete thoughts.
- After she finished her work, she went home.
- Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
Examples of Run-On Sentences
- I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.
- She was hungry she made a sandwich quickly.
- We went to the park it was a sunny day so we had a picnic.
- He studied all night for the exam however, he still found it difficult.
- I enjoy reading books my favorite genre is mystery novels.
- The concert was amazing the band played all their hit songs.
- I wanted to go to the store I didn’t have my car keys.
- She loves to bake cookies they always smell delicious.
- He was late for work he forgot to set his alarm.
- We need to leave now otherwise we will miss the bus.
FAQs about Run-On Sentences
1. What is a run-on sentence?
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
2. How can I fix a run-on sentence?
You can fix a run-on sentence by using a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction (like “and” or “but”).
3. Why are run-on sentences incorrect?
Run-on sentences make writing unclear and difficult to read because they combine multiple ideas without proper separation.
4. Can a run-on sentence be fixed with just a comma?
No, using only a comma creates a comma splice. Instead, use a conjunction or separate the clauses properly.
5. What is the difference between a run-on sentence and a long sentence?
A long sentence can be grammatically correct, while a run-on sentence lacks proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it incorrect.
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