How to Identify Run-On Sentences

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By Enzo Silvestri
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Identify Run-On Sentences

Run-On sentences are easily written, especially when writing creatively. You get ideas and you just want to add them on and before you know it you have an incorrect sentence. A 'run-on sentence' is two or more complete sentences written as though they were one sentence.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Sentences
Clauses

Step 1

There are two types of run-on sentences. The first occurs when two main clauses are joined by a comma only. This is called a 'comma splice'. e.g. Meteorology is fascinating to me, I watch the Weather Channel every day.
Step 2

The second type of run-on sentence occurs when two main clauses have no punctuation separating them. This can occur with or without a conjunction. e.g. Meteorology is fascinating to me I watch the Weather Channel every day. e.g. Meteorology is fascinating to me and I watch the Weather Channel every day.
Step 3

You can correct a run-on sentence in several ways. The method you choose in correcting your writing will depend on the relationship you want top convey between the two clauses.
Step 4

One method is to add end punctuation between the clauses and make two sentences. [Meteorology is fascinating to me, I watch the Weather Channel every day.] Another way is to separate the clauses with both a comma and a coordinating conjunction. [Meteorology is fascinating to me, and I watch the Weather Channel every day.]
Step 5

Alternatively you can add a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb between the clauses. [Meteorology is fascinating to me; I watch the Weather Channel every day.] You can change one of the main clauses to a subordinate clause. Separate the two clauses with a comma if appropriate. [Because meteorology is fascinating to me, I watch the Weather Channel every day.]