Have you ever read a sentence that just…keeps going and going? A sentence that feels like it should have ended several words ago? That’s likely a run‑on sentence. Understanding this common writing issue is crucial for clear and effective communication. Let’s explore what run‑on sentences are, how they happen, and how to fix them.
What is a Run‑On Sentence?
A run‑on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts that could stand alone as sentences) are joined incorrectly. Essentially, it’s an overlong sentence that lacks proper punctuation or connecting words.
Simple Definition & Examples
An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. A run‑on sentence combines these without the necessary signals to show where one thought ends and another begins.
Example of a Run‑On Sentence: The dog barked he was very excited.
This is a run‑on because “The dog barked” and “he was very excited” are both complete thoughts joined without proper connection.
Corrected Examples:
- The dog barked. He was very excited. (Separate sentences)
- The dog barked because he was very excited. (Combined with a coordinating conjunction)
Types of Run‑On Sentences
There are two main types of run‑on sentences:
Fused Sentences
A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation whatsoever. It’s like they’ve been glued together.
Example: I went to the store I bought milk and bread.
Correction: I went to the store. I bought milk and bread. Or, I went to the store and bought milk and bread.
Comma Splices
A comma splice happens when two independent clauses are joined only with a comma. While commas are important, they aren’t strong enough to connect two complete thoughts on their own.
Example: The sun was shining, it was a beautiful day.
Correction: The sun was shining. It was a beautiful day. Or, The sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day.
Why Do Run‑On Sentences Happen?
Run‑on sentences often occur for a few reasons:
- Rushing: Writing quickly can lead to skipping necessary punctuation.
- Complexity: Trying to pack too much information into a single sentence.
- Lack of Awareness: Not fully understanding the rules of sentence structure.
Fixing Run‑On Sentences: Several Options
Fortunately, there are several ways to correct run‑on sentences:
1. Create Separate Sentences
The simplest solution is often to divide the run‑on into two or more complete sentences.
Original: She loves to read novels and poetry she especially enjoys historical fiction.
Corrected: She loves to read novels and poetry. She especially enjoys historical fiction.
2. Use Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) can join independent clauses, but they must be preceded by a comma.
Original: The movie was long it was also very entertaining.
Corrected: The movie was long, but it was also very entertaining.
3. Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, if, since, when, while) create complex sentences by connecting an independent clause with a dependent clause. This often eliminates the need for a separate sentence.
Original: He studied hard he wanted to get a good grade.
Corrected: He studied hard because he wanted to get a good grade.
4. Use Semicolons
A semicolon (;) can connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Original: The weather was terrible we decided to stay inside.
Corrected: The weather was terrible; we decided to stay inside.
5. Use Colons
A colon (:) can introduce an explanation or list that is directly related to the first clause. The clause before the colon must be independent.
Original: She had a dream she wanted to become a doctor.
Corrected: She had a dream: she wanted to become a doctor.
More Complex Examples
Let’s look at some longer, more complex run‑on sentences and how to fix them.
Original: The rain was pouring down the streets were flooded cars were moving slowly it was a chaotic scene.
Possible Corrections:
- The rain was pouring down. The streets were flooded. Cars were moving slowly. It was a chaotic scene. (Multiple sentences)
- The rain was pouring down, and the streets were flooded; cars were moving slowly, creating a chaotic scene. (Combined with conjunctions and a semicolon)
- Because the rain was pouring down, the streets were flooded, and cars were moving slowly, it was a chaotic scene. (Complex sentence with a subordinating conjunction)
Original: She enjoys playing the piano reading novels and painting landscapes however she doesn’t have much time for hobbies lately.
Corrected: She enjoys playing the piano, reading novels, and painting landscapes. However, she doesn’t have much time for hobbies lately.
Avoiding Run‑On Sentences
The best way to deal with run‑on sentences is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Slow Down: Take your time while writing and proofreading.
- Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing and run‑on sentences.
- Focus on One Idea: Each sentence should generally express one main idea.
- Practice: The more you write and edit, the better you’ll become at recognizing and correcting run‑on sentences.
Mastering sentence structure is essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding what run‑on sentences are and how to fix them, you can ensure your writing is concise, readable, and impactful.