1. WHAT IS A RUN-ON SENTENCE? Answer: A run-on sentence is two complete sentences(ideas) incorrectly combined. Example: Freddy walks to school Maddy drives her car. Is this a complete idea? It is TWO complete ideas! A part of a sentence that can be a sentence by itself is called an independent clause. This example has TWO independent clauses.

2. If you put two sentences together without a sufficient amount of signals(commas, semicolons, or connecting words), you create a run- on. Ouch! There are FOUR common ways to fix a run-on sentence. HOW DO YOU FIX RUN- ONS?

3. Method #1 Write the two independent clauses as separate sentences using periods. INCORRECT: Freddy walks to school Maddy drives her car. CORRECT: Freddy walks to school. Maddy drives her car.

4. Method #2 Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses, IF the two ideas are closely related. INCORRECT: Freddy walks to school Maddy drives her car. CORRECT: Freddy walks to school; Maddy drives her car.

5. still on Method #2... If the two ideas are not closely related, you may not use a semicolon. You must use Method #1. INCORRECT: France is in Europe Paris is beautiful. STILL INCORRECT: France is in Europe; Paris is beautiful. CORRECT: France is in Europe. Paris is beautiful.

6. Method #3 Use a comma and any one of the following connecting words: FOR, AND, NOR, BUT, OR, YET, SO (F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.) to separate two independent clauses, if the two ideas are closely related. INCORRECT: Freddy walks to school Maddy drives her car. CORRECT: Freddy walks to school, but Maddy drives her car. CORRECT: Freddy walks to school, and Maddy drives her car.

7. Method #4 Use a semicolon and one of the following words: therefore, thus, however, consequently, furthermore, also, nevertheless. NOTE: When using semicolons, the two independent clauses must share a related or common idea. INCORRECT: Freddy walks to school Maddy drives her car. CORRECT: Freddy walks to school; however Maddy drives her car.

8. DO YOU GET IT? -QUIZ The following “sentences” are all run-ons. Correct them each twice, using TWO DIFFERENT methods to fix the run-on. USE YOUR OWN PAPER and turn it in. The girls played basketball the boys played tennis. Einstein is famous for E=mc 2 Edison is famous for inventing the lightbulb. Titanic is my favorite movie I love eating popcorn. Americans shake hands when they meet the Japanese bow. Mother’s Day is always on a Sunday Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday. William loved visiting Montreal Sally preferred to stay in Quebec. My car broke down I need to buy a new one. At one time few people had enough money to buy books few people could read books. I want to learn Korean Trudy wants to learn Turkish. People love peace they hate war.