Chapter Twenty-Five Run-On Sentences College Writing Skills, 6E and College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E John Langan

Run-On Sentences The Two Types of Comma Splices: Fused Sentences: They are fused or joined together as if they were only one thought. 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. Errors: Rob exercises everyday he should be in good condition. Rob exercises everyday, he should be in good condition.

correcting a run-on is to How to Correct Run-Ons There are three common methods of correcting a run-on: Use a period and a capital letter. Use a comma plus a joining word (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) to connect the two complete thoughts. Use a semicolon to connect the two complete thoughts: Note: A fourth method of correcting a run-on is to use subordination.

Correcting Run-On Sentences One way of correcting a run-on is to use a period and a capital letter between the two complete sentences. Use this method especially if the thoughts are not closely related. Kristin plays the guitar well she hopes to start her own band. Revision: Kristin plays the guitar well. She hopes to start her own band.

Correcting Run-On Sentences 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). Kristin plays the guitar well, and she hopes to start her own band.

Adding a Coordinating Conjunction “FANBOYS” One way to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions is to put them in this order: For Nor And But So Or Yet

Correcting Run-On Sentences 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. Kristen plays the guitar well; she hopes to start a band.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. (Click to see the answer.) 1. The temperature dropped below freezing last night. We had to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Correct 1. The temperature dropped below freezing last night. We had to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Correct 2. The temperature dropped below freezing last night; we had to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Correct 3. The temperature dropped below freezing last night, so we had to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Incorrect 4. The temperature dropped below freezing last night, we had to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Correct 5. Because the temperature dropped below freezing last night, we had to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Correct 6. If the temperature drops below freezing tonight, we must remember to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Incorrect 7.The temperature dropped below freezing last night, therefore, we had to bring our plants indoors. “Therefore” is not one of the seven coordinating conjunctions

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Incorrect 8.The temperature dropped below freezing last night, thus we had to bring our plants indoors.

Learning to Identify and Correct Comma Splices Practice Review: Identify each entry as correct or incorrect. Incorrect 9.The temperature dropped below freezing last night we had to bring our plants indoors. It is a fused sentence.