What are the common two types of run-on sentences?
1. Fused Sentences: They are fused or joined together as if they were only one thought.
e.g. Rob exercises everyday he should be in good condition. ×
2. Comma Splices: A comma is used to connect or “splice” together the two complete thoughts. A comma alone is NOT ENOUGH to connect two complete sentences.
e.g. Rob exercises every day, he should be in good condition. ×
How to correct run-on sentences?
There are four common methods of correcting a run-on.
1. Use a period and a capital letter.
One way of correcting a run-on is to use a period and a capital letter between the two complete sentences especially if the thoughts are not closely related.
Incorrect sentence: Kristin plays the guitar well she hopes to start her own band.
Revised sentence: Kristin plays the guitar well. She hopes to start her own band.
2. Use a comma plus a joining word to connect the two complete thoughts.
Another way of correcting a run-on is to use a comma plus a joining word to connect the two complete thoughts. There are seven joining words (also called conjunctions, including and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet). One way to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions is to put them in this order: FANBOYS (For; and, nor, but, or, yet, so) For example, Michael plays the trumpet well, so he hopes to be selected for the jazz band.
Correct sentence: Kristin plays the guitar well, and she hopes to start her own band.
3. Use a semicolon to connect the two complete thoughts.
A third method of correcting a run-on is to use a semicolon to mark the break between two sentences. A semicolon looks like a period above a comma. When it is used to correct run-ons, the semicolon can be used alone or with a transitional word.
Correct sentence A: Kristin plays the guitar well; she hopes to start her own band.
Correct sentence B: Kristin plays the guitar well; consequently, she hopes to start her own band.
4. Use subordination.
A fourth method of correcting a run-on is to use subordination.
Incorrect sentence: Michael didn’t want to miss the bus, he started to run.
Revised sentence: Because Michael didn’t want to miss the bus, he started to run.
