Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Steps for Correcting Run-on Sentences Run-on sentences (fused sentences) are independent clauses that have not been joined correctly. Example run-on: Lavonne cleans her dorm room every weekend she dusts and vacuums. Example corrected: Lavonne cleans her dorm room every weekend ; she dusts and vacuums. Example run-on: I studied for the test all week I am well prepared for it. Example corrected: I studied for the test all week, so I am well prepared for it.

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Steps for Correcting Run-on Sentences When you edit your writing, you can correct run-on sentences by following these steps: Step 1: Check for two independent clauses (sentences). Step 2: Check that the clauses are separated by either a a comma and coordinating conjunction, or by a semicolon. Example run-on sentence: I had the flu I missed a week of class. Step 1 corrected: I had the flu. I missed a week of class. (two independent clauses) Step 2 corrected: I had the flu, so I missed a week of class. (Clauses are separated by a comma and coordinating conjunction.) Step 2 corrected: I had the flu; therefore, I missed a week of class. (Classes are separated by a semicolon, conjunctive adverb, and comma.)

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Steps for Correcting Comma Splices When you edit your writing, you can correct comma splices by following these steps: Step 1: Check for two independent clauses. Step 2: Check that the clauses are separated by a a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices If the independent clauses contain a comma but not one of the FANBOYS, there is a comma splice. A comma splice can be corrected by doing the following: ◦Insert a comma and coordinating conjunction (one of the FANBOYS). ◦Replace the comma with a semicolon. ◦Insert a semicolon, conjunctive adverb, and only retain the comma if the conjunctive adverb has more than one syllable.

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Example comma splice: Frank loves his job, it pays very little. Example corrected with a FANBOYS: Frank loves his job, but it pays very little. Example corrected with semicolon: Frank loves his job; it pays very little. Example corrected with a semicolon, conjunctive adverb, and the comma is retained: Frank loves his job; however, it pays very little.

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Identify if the sentence is correct or a run-on or a comma splice, and correct the sentence with a semicolon. Q.The trees on the sidewalks have lights that sparkle, the city looks so pretty at night. A.comma splice A.The trees on the sidewalks have lights that sparkle; thus the city looks so pretty at night. The trees on the sidewalks have lights that sparkle, so the city looks so pretty at night. Q.In Bleak House, by Charles Dickens, my favorite character is Esther Summerson, but I find Lady Dedlock an interesting character too. A.correct

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Identify if the sentence is correct or a run-on or a comma splice, and correct the sentence with a semicolon. Q.For the holiday dinner, my mother will make a delicious cake my father will bake the bread. A.run-on A.For the holiday dinner, my mother will make a delicious cake; my father will bake the bread. For the holiday dinner, my mother will make a delicious cake, and my father will bake the bread. Q.At first I was very sad, later I became so excited. A.comma splice A.At first I was very sad; however, later I became so excited.

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Correct the following sentences. Q.My uncle was born in Ireland, he graduated from a college in Dublin. A.My uncle was born in Ireland; he graduated from a college in Dublin. Q.Students will succeed in college however they need to do the homework. A.Students will succeed in college; however, they need to do the homework.

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Correct the following sentences. Q.When we are finished with college, we will begin fantastic careers, we will be very happy. A.When we are finished with college, we will begin fantastic careers, so we will be very happy. Q.Anne Marie works in the English Department she helps students. A.Anne Marie works in the English Department; she helps students.

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Correct the following sentences. Q.It’s raining outside I don’t think I’ll go skating this afternoon. A.It’s raining outside, so I don’t think I’ll go skating this afternoon. Q.The student lives in an apartment near the campus, his classes are held in a nearby building. A.The student lives in an apartment near the campus, and his classes are held in a nearby building. Q.Matt wanted to take a pottery class, he took painting instead. A.Matt wanted to take a pottery class, but he took painting instead.

Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices Correct the following sentences. Q.My puppy padded through the entire apartment on his muddy paws now I will have to clean the rugs. A.My puppy padded through the entire apartment on his muddy paws, and now I will have to clean the rugs. Q.I need to buy wrapping paper and tape I have many packages to wrap before the party. A.I need to buy wrapping paper and tape; I have many packages to wrap before the party.