How to Avoid Run-ons and Sentence Fragments

A run-together sentence is an error that occurs when two independent clauses are not joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction or separated by other punctuation. From this article you will be able to identify and correct a run together sentence.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

The Run On Sentence

1. Identify the run-on sentence.Example: The umpire was hit by a wild pitch he layed in grass unconscious. (Run on)
2. Choose either a semicolon, a period, or a comma with the correct conjunction to make a complete thought. The example below displays a run-on corrected with the use of a period.Example. The umpire was hit by a wild pitch. He layed in the grass unconscious.
3. Use a semicolon and conjunctive adverb are used to separate independent clauses.Example: The umpire was hit by a wild pitch; thus, he lies in the grass unconscious.
4. Insert a comma and conjunction to separate the independent clauses.Example: The umpire was hit by a wild pitch, and he lies in the grass unconscious.
5. Break the sentences in two, forming two complete thoughts.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember this: in order to recognize a run-on sentence, you need to be able to recognize an independent clause. An independent clause is a subject and predicate that does begin with a subordinating word. Basically, it will stand alone as a sentence because it is an independent grammatical unit.
• Be careful of comma splices