Run-on Sentences

The Sentence Definition: A sentence is a complete thought, usually containing at least one or more independent clauses, beginning with a capital letter and ending with a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point. An independent clause is a cluster of words that contains a subject and a predicate and that can “stand alone.”

Run-on Sentences Definition: A run-on sentence is punctuating and putting together two or more sentences as if they were one. There are two basic types of run-on sentences: 1. Fused Sentence 2. Comma Splice

Fused Sentences Definition: In fused sentences, two or more independent clauses “run together” with no punctuation. Example: The boy ate his dinner his sister played quietly in the corner. Independent Clause Independent Clause Independent Clause Train analogy (above): The train cars are run together without any coupling devices.

Comma Splices Definition: In comma splices, two or more independent clauses are joined by a comma only. Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner. , , Independent Clause Independent Clause Independent Clause Train analogy (above): The train cars are joined together with inadequate coupling devices.

The Most Common Comma Splice Error The most common comma splice error is the conjunctive adverb comma splice. Common conjunctive adverbs: again, also, besides, consequently, further, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, likewise, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, then, therefore, thus

Conjunctive Adverb Comma Splice Rule: When joining independent clauses, the conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semi-colon and followed by a comma. Example of Error: The boy ate his dinner, however, his sister played quietly in the corner. Correction: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.

Five Basic Ways of Correcting a Run-on Sentence Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction Semi-colon Period and Capital Letter Subordinate Clauses Conjunctive Adverb

Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction Rule: Determine the independent clauses. If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet). Example: The boy ate his dinner, but his sister played quietly in the corner.

Comma Plus Coordinating Conjunction Example: The boy ate his dinner, his sister played quietly in the corner, and his mother worked on the “spill” the children had made. Rule: If there are more than two independent clauses in a series, separate the final two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Note that independent clauses other than the final two are separated with commas.

Semi-colon Rule: Determine the independent clauses. Separate those two or more independent clauses with a semi-colon. Example: The boy ate his dinner; the sister played quietly in the corner.

Period and Capital Letter Rule: Determine the independent clauses. Separate those two or more independent clauses with a period. Then begin the following independent clause with a capital letter. Example: The boy ate dinner. The sister played quietly in the corner.

Subordinate Clauses Rule: Determine if one or more of the independent clauses can be subordinated. If so, subordinate those clauses. Example: While the boy ate dinner, the sister played quietly in the corner.

Conjunctive Adverb Rule: Determine the independent clauses. If there are only two independent clauses, separate them with a semi-colon, conjunctive adverb, and comma. Example: The boy ate his dinner; however, his sister played quietly in the corner.

References The Random House Handbook, Fourth Edition, was used as a source for compiling definitions.