Run-on Sentences and How to Fix Them

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (sentences that can stand alone) are joined incorrectly—often without the proper punctuation or conjunction. Run-ons make writing hard to follow, confuse readers, and reduce clarity. Learning to spot and correct run-on sentences helps ensure that each sentence communicates a clear, concise, and complete idea.

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What Is a Run-on Sentence?

A run-on sentence is essentially two or more independent clauses smooshed together without appropriate punctuation (such as a period, semicolon) or a coordinating conjunction (like “and,” “but,” “or”). In other words, it tries to cram multiple complete thoughts into a single sentence without the necessary connectors.

Key Points:

• Run-ons are not always extremely long; even short sentences can be run-ons if they contain multiple independent clauses joined incorrectly.
• They can occur due to missing punctuation, incorrect punctuation, or lack of proper coordinating or subordinating words.

Types of Run-on Sentences

1. Fused Sentence:

A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation or linking word at all.

Example:

• Run-on (Fused): “She went to the store she bought apples.”
• Corrected: “She went to the store. She bought apples.”

2. Comma Splice:

A comma splice is a specific type of run-on sentence in which a comma is used to connect two independent clauses without an appropriate conjunction.

Example:

• Run-on (Comma Splice): “He loves soccer, he plays every weekend.”
• Corrected: “He loves soccer, and he plays every weekend.”
  or “He loves soccer. He plays every weekend.”
  or “He loves soccer; he plays every weekend.”

Both types of run-ons fail to correctly separate independent clauses. The difference is that a fused sentence has no punctuation between clauses, while a comma splice uses just a comma (which is insufficient).

How to Identify a Run-on Sentence

1. Check for Multiple Independent Clauses: Determine if you have more than one complete thought. Each independent clause must have a subject and a verb and stand on its own as a complete sentence.
2. Look for Missing Conjunctions or Punctuation: If two standalone sentences are joined without a period, semicolon, or a suitable conjunction (with a comma), it’s likely a run-on.
3. Read Aloud: Reading your sentence out loud can help. If you run out of natural pauses or feel that the sentence keeps going without a break, it might be a run-on.

Common Ways to Fix Run-on Sentences

Use a Period:

Separate the run-on into two sentences by placing a period between the independent clauses.

Example:

• Run-on: “I love to read it helps me relax.”
• Fixed: “I love to read. It helps me relax.”

Use a Semicolon:

Semicolons can join two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Example:

• Run-on: “She studied all night she passed the exam.”
• Fixed: “She studied all night; she passed the exam.”

Use a Comma + Coordinating Conjunction:

Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to correctly join the clauses.

Example:

• Run-on: “They ran out of time they didn’t finish the project.
• ”Fixed: “They ran out of time, so they didn’t finish the project.”or “They ran out of time, and they didn’t finish the project.”

Use Subordination:

Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause by using subordinating conjunctions (although, because, when, while, since, if).

Example:

• Run-on: “I woke up late I missed the bus.”
• Fixed: “Because I woke up late, I missed the bus.” or “I missed the bus because I woke up late.”

Examples of Run-on Sentences and Their Corrections

Here are 20 examples of Run-on Sentences with their corrections.

Missing Punctuation or Conjunctions

1. Run-on: I love pizza I could eat it every day.
   Correction: I love pizza. I could eat it every day.
2. Run-on: She went to the store she bought some milk.
   Correction: She went to the store, and she bought some milk.
3. Run-on: The movie was great I watched it twice.
   Correction: The movie was great; I watched it twice.
4. Run-on: He didn’t study for the test he failed it.
   Correction: He didn’t study for the test, so he failed it.
5. Run-on: I wanted to go outside it was raining.
   Correction: I wanted to go outside, but it was raining.

Comma Splices (Incorrect Use of a Comma to Join Sentences)

6. Run-on: She loves coffee, she drinks it every morning.
   Correction: She loves coffee, and she drinks it every morning.
7. Run-on: We were hungry, we ordered pizza.
   Correction: We were hungry, so we ordered pizza.
8. Run-on: The dog barked loudly, the neighbors complained.
   Correction: The dog barked loudly; the neighbors complained.
9. Run-on: I enjoy reading, my favorite book is “1984.”
   Correction: I enjoy reading. My favorite book is 1984.
10. Run-on: She wanted to dance, he preferred to sit.
    Correction: She wanted to dance, but he preferred to sit.

Fused Sentences (Two Sentences Without Proper Separation)

11. Run-on: The sun was shining we went to the beach.
    Correction: The sun was shining, so we went to the beach.
12. Run-on: He plays the guitar he also sings.
    Correction: He plays the guitar, and he also sings.
13. Run-on: I forgot my homework I had to redo it.
    Correction: I forgot my homework, so I had to redo it.
14. Run-on: She writes novels they are always interesting.
    Correction: She writes novels, and they are always interesting.
15. Run-on: The restaurant was closed we went somewhere else.
    Correction: The restaurant was closed, so we went somewhere else.

Fixing with Dependent Clauses

16. Run-on: I love summer it is my favorite season.
    Correction: I love summer because it is my favorite season.
17. Run-on: He was late to work he missed the bus.
    Correction: He was late to work because he missed the bus.
18. Run-on: We took an umbrella it was raining outside.
    Correction: We took an umbrella since it was raining outside.
19. Run-on: The concert was loud we could barely hear each other.
    Correction: The concert was so loud that we could barely hear each other.
20. Run-on: I didn’t sleep well I was tired all day.
    Correction: Since I didn’t sleep well, I was tired all day.

Tips to Avoid Run-on Sentences

1. Keep Sentences Manageable: Long sentences are not necessarily incorrect, but the longer the sentence, the higher the chance of run-ons. Break long sentences into shorter, clearer ones.
2. Know Your Conjunctions: Memorize coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) and use them when joining two related independent clauses with a comma.
3. Use Semicolons Wisely: A semicolon can elegantly connect related ideas, but don’t overuse it. Ensure both clauses could stand alone as complete sentences.
4. Subordinate When Appropriate: If two ideas are not equally important, make one dependent on the other. This avoids run-ons and clarifies the relationship.
5. Proofread: Take the time to read your work carefully. If you find multiple verbs and subjects without proper connectors or punctuation, revise accordingly.

Practice Exercises

1. Identify and Correct the Run-Ons: a. “I finished my work early I went home.”
   b. “He loves classical music he hates opera.”
   c. “She wanted to go to the party, she had to babysit.”
2. Choose the Correct Revision: a. Run-on: “The dog barked at midnight the neighbors complained.”
   Which fix is correct?
   1. “The dog barked at midnight, the neighbors complained.”
   2. “The dog barked at midnight; the neighbors complained.”
   3. “The dog barked at midnight because the neighbors complained.”
3. Add Punctuation or Conjunctions: a. “He can sing he can’t dance.”
   b. “They left early they caught the train.”

Suggested Answers

1. Identify and Correct: a. Run-on: “I finished my work early I went home.”
   Fixed: “I finished my work early, so I went home.” or “I finished my work early. I went home.” b. Run-on: “He loves classical music he hates opera.”
   Fixed: “He loves classical music, but he hates opera.” or “He loves classical music; however, he hates opera.” c. Run-on: “She wanted to go to the party, she had to babysit.” (Comma splice) Fixed: “She wanted to go to the party, but she had to babysit.” or “She wanted to go to the party; however, she had to babysit.”
2. Choose the Correct Revision:
   • Given: “The dog barked at midnight the neighbors complained.”
     Correct fix: “The dog barked at midnight; the neighbors complained.” (#2) The first option still gives a comma splice, and the third option changes the meaning.
3. Add Punctuation or Conjunctions: a. “He can sing; he can’t dance.” or “He can sing, but he can’t dance.” b. “They left early, and they caught the train.” or “They left early so they caught the train.”