How to Recognize Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence isn't a rambling, wordy sentence. Rather, it is a sentence containing two independent clauses that are not correctly joined together. When a sentence contains two independent clauses that are not separated by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, it is considered a run-on sentence. It is also true when two independent clauses aren't separated by a semicolon, colon or a dash. Once you know how to recognize one, it is simple to spot run-on sentences.

Instructions

1. Watch out for fused sentences. Fused sentences are two independent clauses that are wrongly constructed as a single sentence without any punctuation between the two independent clauses. The following is a fused sentence: "Everyone in California must carry a driver's license or ID card it is the law."

2. Correct the fused sentence by creating two complete sentence, rewriting the sentence to subordinate one of the independent clauses, or by inserting a comma and a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon, a colon (when appropriate) or a dash. For example we can correct the fused sentence in the previous example by rewriting it: "Everyone in California must carry a driver's license or ID card; it is the law."

3. Search for comma splices. Comma splices are created by separating two independent clauses with only a comma instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction. For example: "Drivers in California must have insurance, it is the law."

4. Correct the comma splice in the same way that you would correct a fused sentence. For example: "Drivers in California must have insurance. It is the law."

References

• "A Writer's Reference: Fourth Edition"; Diana Hacker; 1999