Grammar Glow

Introduction to run-on sentence

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This can make the sentence confusing and difficult to read, as it lacks the necessary breaks that clarify the relationship between the ideas being expressed.

Characteristics of Run-On Sentences

1. Lack of Punctuation:

Run-on sentences often have two independent clauses joined without any punctuation, such as a comma or semicolon, making the sentence difficult to understand.

Examples

She loves to travel she has been to many countries. (wrong)
She loves to travel; she has been to many countries. (correct)

2. Overuse of Coordinating Conjunctions:

Sometimes, run-on sentences occur when coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) are misused, leading to comma splices.

Examples

It was raining, I stayed indoors. (wrong)
It was raining, so I stayed indoors. (correct)

3. Multiple Independent Clauses:

A run-on sentence may contain multiple independent clauses that are improperly connected.

Examples

I enjoy hiking I like swimming I prefer biking. (wrong)
I enjoy hiking; I like swimming; I prefer biking. (correct)
I enjoy hiking, and I like swimming, but I prefer biking. (correct)

4. Confusing Structure

Run-on sentences can create confusion due to the lack of clear breaks, making it hard for readers to follow the writer's thoughts.

Examples

He studied hard for the exam he wanted to pass it. (wrong)
He studied hard for the exam because he wanted to pass it. (correct)
He studied hard for the exam; he wanted to pass it. (correct)
He studied hard for the exam, so he wanted to pass it. (correct)

Types of Run-On Sentences

1. Fused Sentences

A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined together without any punctuation or coordinating conjunction. This results in a sentence that runs together, making it difficult for the reader to understand where one thought ends and another begins.

Examples

I enjoy painting I find it very relaxing. (wrong)
I enjoy painting, and I find it very relaxing. (correct)
I enjoy painting; I find it very relaxing. (correct)
I enjoy painting because I find it very relaxing. (correct)

2. Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined together by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. This misuse of punctuation creates a run-on sentence that can disrupt the flow of writing.

Examples

It was a beautiful day, I went for a walk. (wrong)
It was a beautiful day, so I went for a walk. (correct)
It was a beautiful day; I went for a walk. (correct)
It was a beautiful day. I went for a walk. (correct)

Causes of Run-On Sentences

1. Lack of Proper Punctuation

One of the most common causes of run-on sentences is the failure to use appropriate punctuation to separate independent clauses. Without punctuation, readers can struggle to identify where one thought ends and another begins.

Examples

I wanted to go for a run it started to rain.
Correction: I wanted to go for a run, but it started to rain.
Correction: I wanted to go for a run; it started to rain.

2. Overusing Coordinating Conjunctions

Sometimes, writers may rely too heavily on coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to connect independent clauses, leading to overly long sentences and the risk of creating comma splices.

Examples

I like to swim and I like to run and I enjoy biking too.
Correction: I like to swim, run, and bike.
Correction: I enjoy swimming, running, and biking.

3. Combining Independent Clauses Without Proper Structure

Writers may unintentionally combine multiple independent clauses without using the correct punctuation or conjunctions, leading to run-on sentences. This often happens when writers attempt to express complex ideas without clear structure.

Examples

She loves to cook she often tries new recipes she enjoys sharing her food with friends.
Correction: She loves to cook. She often tries new recipes, and she enjoys sharing her food with friends.
Correction: She loves to cook; she often tries new recipes, and she enjoys sharing her food with friends.

Ways to Fix Run-On Sentences

1. Adding Appropriate Punctuation (Periods, Semicolons)

One effective way to correct a run-on sentence is to separate independent clauses with appropriate punctuation. This can include using a period to create two distinct sentences or a semicolon to connect closely related ideas.

Examples

Before: I wanted to go for a walk it was raining.
Correction with Period: I wanted to go for a walk. It was raining.
Correction with Semicolon: I wanted to go for a walk; it was raining.

2. Using Coordinating Conjunctions with Commas

When connecting two independent clauses, using a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) along with a comma can effectively resolve run-on sentences.

Examples

Before: She loves to read she goes to the library every week.
Correction: She loves to read, and she goes to the library every week.

3. Rephrasing Sentences for Clarity

Sometimes, rephrasing the sentence entirely can enhance clarity and eliminate the run-on structure. This may involve breaking down complex ideas into simpler sentences or restructuring the thoughts.

Examples

Before: He studied all night he still failed the test.
Correction: He studied all night. Despite his efforts, he still failed the test.

Examples of Corrections

Before

After (Correction)

After (Rephrased)

I enjoy playing soccer I practice every weekend.

I enjoy playing soccer. I practice every weekend.

I enjoy playing soccer and practice every weekend.

The movie was fantastic I want to watch it again.

The movie was fantastic, so I want to watch it again.

The movie was fantastic. I want to watch it again.

I like to travel I visit new places every year.

I like to travel; I visit new places every year.

I enjoy traveling and exploring new places each year.

She finished her homework she went to bed.

She finished her homework, and then she went to bed.

After finishing her homework, she went to bed.

Introduction to run-on sentence Characteristics of Run-On Sentences Types of Run-On Sentences Causes of Run-On Sentences Ways to Fix Run-On Sentences Examples of Corrections