What is a run-on sentence?
Run-on sentences occur when two complete sentences are squashed together without using a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation, such as a period or a semicolon.
Run-on sentence examples
Below is an example of two independent clauses that are structured as a run-on sentence. It fuses two complete thoughts into one sentence without proper punctuation.
Lila enjoyed the bouquet of tulips John gave her on prom night however she prefers roses. (incorrect)
Now, here is an example of how to write these two independent clauses correctly. A semicolon is placed between the two clauses to separate each thought. It also includes a comma after the conjunctive adverb, however, as a transition into the second clause.
Lila enjoyed the bouquet of tulips John gave her on prom night; however, she prefers roses. (cottect)
Example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.
There are two complete sentences in the above example:
Sentence 1: I love to write papers.
Sentence 2: I would write one every day if I had the time.
One common type of run-on sentence is a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.
Example of a comma splice: Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference.
Sentence 1: Participants could leave the study at any time.
Sentence 2: They needed to indicate their preference.
Some comma splices occur when a writer attempts to use a transitional expression in the middle of a sentence.
Example of a comma splice: The results of the study were inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the topic.
Sentence 1: The results of the study were inconclusive
Transitional expression (conjunctive adverb): therefore
Sentence 2: More research needs to be done on the topic
To fix this type of comma splice, use a semicolon before the transitional expression and add a comma after it. See more examples of this on the semicolon page.
Revision: The results of the study were inconclusive; therefore, more research needs to be done on the topic.
Correcting Run-On Sentences
A run-on sentence can be fixed by connecting its parts correctly. There are several ways to connect independent clauses.
- Use a period. The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller sentences using a period. This revision works especially well with longer sentences. Check, however, to make sure that this solution does not result in short, choppy sentences.
Revision example: I love to write papers. I would write one every day if I had the time.
- Use a semicolon. Inserting a semicolon between independent clauses creates a grammatically correct sentence. Using a semicolon is a stylistic choice that establishes a close relationship between the two sentences.
Revision example: I love to write papers; I would write one every day if I had the time.
- Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A comma, paired with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., "and," "but," or "or"), corrects a run-on sentence. This method emphasizes the relationship between the two clauses.
Revision example: I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had the time.
- Use a subordinating conjunction. Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause. A subordinating conjunction (e.g., "because," "unless," and "although") connects two clauses to create a complex sentence. This option works to cement the relationship between the two parts of the sentence and may improve the flow of the clauses.
Example: Because I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time.
However you decide to revise for run-on sentences, remember that maintaining sentence variety helps to keep the writing clear and interesting for your readers.
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