Just say no.

Run-on Sentences A run-on sentence is when two or more independent clauses are joined without the proper punctuation or conjunction. Run-on sentences are common errors when a writer is rushing. The following is a prime example of a run-on: I like my new teacher Ms. Marple she is nice. Where should the punctuation/conjunction go? Yes, between “Marple” and “she”.

Run-on Sentences Let’s take a further look at that run-on sentence from the previous slide. There are several ways that sentence can be corrected: I like my new teacher Ms. Marple. She is nice. I like my new teacher Ms. Marple; she is nice. I like my new teacher Ms. Marple, and she is nice. I like my new teacher Ms. Marple because she is nice.

Run-on Sentences Imperative sentences—sentences that give orders—can easily become run-ons if the writer is not careful. Put on your shoes go outside. What are some ways this sentence could be corrected? Add punctuation: Put your shoes on. Go outside. Put your shoes on; go outside. (Notice that a comma doesn’t cut it here… More on that later.) Add a conjunction: Put your shoes on and go outside. Put your shoes on, then go outside. Put your shoes on before you go outside.

Run-on Sentences Run-on sentences are often created when an independent clause gives an order based on a previous clause. The upcoming quiz is a difficult one, you should study hard. (Notice that pesky comma…) The error in this sentence—two independent clauses separated by only a comma—is called a comma splice.

Comma Splices A comma is not strong enough to separate independent clauses unless those clauses are in a list. Incorrect: I wash my hands, I brush my teeth. Correct: I wash my hands, then brush my teeth. Incorrect: Go you your room, you’re in trouble. Correct: Go to your room! You’re in trouble. Correct: John swept the floor, Anne washed the dishes and Tommy scrubbed the windows.

Comma Splices While commas are not strong enough to separate independent clauses on their own, they can be used in conjunction with, well, a conjunction. Correct: Daniel drove his car, and I drove mine. In the above sentence, the comma is used properly to separate two independent clauses that contain two separate subjects (“Daniel” and “I”). Incorrect: Daniel drove his car, I drove mine. Yep, that comma is just not strong enough.

Run-ons and Comma Splices Decide which sentences are run- ons and which are correct. Answers 1. Give me the key, I need to open the door. 2. Joe’s mom is nice, she made us cookies. 3. Lana likes pie, I like ice cream and Eric likes cake. 4. Don’t keep me waiting; I am in suspense. 5. Dean keeps his yard clean he’s very proud of it. 1. Run-on 2. Run-on 3. Correct 4. Correct 5. Run-on

Hurray! You should now be able to avoid run-on sentences— including those pesky comma splices—in your own writing. You should also be able to recognize and correct them. For that, you get a cookie. When you feel ready, see Mrs. Shankle for your quiz.