How to Fix a Run-On Sentence

Run-on sentences are very common errors for today's students. A run-on sentence is one in which two or more independent clauses (clauses that can stand alone as sentences) are placed together without the proper use of punctuation or conjunctions. Example: Boys run fast old men walk slowly. A special type of run-on error, called a comma splice, occurs when two independent clauses are placed together, separated only by a comma. Example: Boys run fast, old men walk slowly. The following techniques can be used to correct a run-on sentence or comma splice.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An understanding of dependent and independent clauses
• A list of coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions

1. Separate the run-on into two separate sentences with the use of a period. Example: Boys run fast. Old men walk slowly.

2. Use a coordinating conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) to connect the independent clauses. Example: Boys run fast, but old men walk slowly.

3. Utilize a semi-colon between two independent clauses that are related. Boys run fast; old men walk slowly.

4. Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause (clause that can not stand alone as a sentence) by using a subordinating conjunction (although, since, etc.). Example: Although boys run fast, old men walk slowly.

5. Rewrite the sentence. Example: Boys and old men move at different speeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a grammar book or online grammar guide to understand the difference between dependent and independent clauses.