A run-on sentence is a common grammatical issue that makes writing cluttered, confusing, and overly complicated.
A run-on sentence is formed when two full sentences, also known as independent clauses, are stuck together without the correct punctuation.
In this article, we’ll explore what run-on sentences are, how to identify them, and practical ways to fix them.
What Is a Run on Sentence?
Run on Sentence Definition
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Independent clauses are complete thoughts that could stand on their own as separate sentences. When these independent clauses are improperly combined, you have a run-on sentence.
Run-on sentences are grammatically incorrect. They are often excessively long and lack the necessary punctuation to separate ideas clearly. They confuse the reader and disrupt the natural flow of the text.
Correcting run-on sentences is essential for creating clear, readable writing.
How to Identify a Run on Sentence
Identifying a run-on sentence is the first step in correcting it. Here are some tips to help you spot these errors in your writing.
Look for Multiple Independent Clauses
The key characteristics of a run-on sentence is the presence of multiple independent clauses. If you find multiple independent clauses that are not connected properly, you have a run-on sentence.
An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought. For example, “My favorite food is lasagna.”
- Subject: My favorite food
- Verb: is
- Subject Complement: lasagna
- Complete Thought: Subject + Verb + Subject Complement
Check for Missing Punctuation
In a correct sentence, independent clauses are separated by punctuation marks such as periods or semicolons. If the clauses are joined without any punctuation (or incorrect punctuation like a comma), this indicates a run-on sentence.
Watch for Missing Conjunctions
Conjunctions (such as and, but, or, so, and because) help connect clauses and demonstrate a relation between the two. Most conjunctions also require a comma before them.
If a conjunction is missing between two independent clauses, you may have a run-on sentence.
For example, “I went to the store I forgot my wallet” is a run-on sentence because there’s no conjunction and comma between the two clauses.
Look for Long Sentences with No Breaks
When a sentence is unusually long, and there are no natural pauses or breaks (like commas or periods), it’s a strong indication that the sentence might be a run-on.
These overly long sentences can overwhelm readers and make your writing hard to follow.
Check for Repetition of Subjects or Actions
Sometimes, run-on sentences will repeat subjects or actions that could be broken into separate, simpler sentences. If you notice unnecessary repetition of information, it’s a good sign the sentence may need restructuring.
For example: “I went to the zoo and I saw some penguins and I thought they were really cute.”
In this example, the subject “I” is unnecessarily repeated and could be removed.
Run on Sentence Examples
Here are some examples of run-on sentences. These grammatically incorrect sentences lack the proper punctuation or conjunctions needed to separate the independent clauses.
- I love reading books I don’t have enough time.
- She went to the store it was closed.
- He didn’t do his homework he played video games instead.
- I need to buy groceries I also have to clean the house.
- It was raining hard we still went for a walk.
- The meeting was cancelled everyone left early.
- She finished her project she was proud of her work.
- I wanted to visit my friend she was out of town.
- He likes to run in the mornings sometimes he takes a bike ride.
- I have an exam tomorrow I should study tonight.
- The restaurant was full we decided to eat at home.
- She loves painting she doesn’t have time for it anymore.
- He is very talented he just needs more practice.
- I can’t find my keys I’ll be late.
- I have to finish my work I need a break.
- The sun was setting the sky turned orange.
- She bought a new dress it was on sale.
- I went to the gym this morning I feel so tired.
- He enjoys playing basketball he’s good at it.
- I don’t know what to wear I’m going to the party tonight.
How to Fix a Run on Sentence
Fixing run-on sentences is an essential part of improving your writing. Fortunately, there are several ways to correct them, depending on the context and your style.
Let’s review a few methods you can use to fix these errors together.
Separate the Independent Clauses into Two Sentences
The simplest way to fix a run-on sentence is by separating the independent clauses into two distinct sentences. Each independent clause should be able to stand alone as a complete thought. Adding a period between the two clauses will resolve the grammar issue.
Example:
- Run-on sentence: I went to the store it was closed.
- Corrected: I went to the store. It was closed.
Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction
Another common way to fix a run-on sentence is by adding a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
The most common coordinating conjunctions are: “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “so,” and “yet.” These words connect independent clauses and show the relationship between them.
Example:
- Run-on sentence: He didn’t do his homework he played football instead.
- Corrected: He didn’t do his homework, but he played football instead.
Use a Semicolon
A semicolon can be used to join two closely related independent clauses. It provides a way to connect ideas that are related but can grammatically stand on their own as separate sentences.
You can also use a semicolon with a transitional phrase (such as “however,” “therefore,” “for example,” etc.) to create a smoother transition between ideas.
Example:
- Run-on sentence: It was raining hard it was almost hailing.
- Corrected: It was raining hard; it was almost hailing.
Use a Subordinating Conjunction to Create a Complex Sentence
Instead of having two independent clauses, you can restructure the sentence to have one independent clause and one dependent clause.
A dependent clause contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought and therefore cannot stand alone as a sentence.
A subordinating conjunction, like “because,” “since,” “although,” or “while,” can turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause, allowing you to join them without causing a run-on.
Example:
- Run-on sentence: She loves painting she isn’t very good yet.
- Corrected: She loves painting although she isn’t very good yet.
Break the Sentence into Smaller Clauses
If you have a long sentence with many different ideas, breaking it into smaller, more manageable clauses can help. This may involve turning a compound sentence into a series of shorter, simpler sentences that make your ideas clearer.
Example:
- Run-on sentence: The sun was setting the sky turned orange.
- Corrected: The sun was setting. The sky turned orange.
Use a Dash for Emphasis
If the two clauses are closely related and you want to emphasize their connection, you can use an em dash (—) to separate them.
This method can add emphasis or dramatic effect to the relationship between the clauses, but it should be used sparingly because they can make writing feel disjointed.
Example:
- Run-on sentence: She finished her project she was proud of her work.
- Corrected: She finished her project—she was proud of her work.
Rework the Sentence Structure
Sometimes, you may need to completely rework the sentence to make it more concise or clearer. This may involve eliminating redundant ideas or reorganizing the sentence to improve readability.
Example:
- Run-on sentence: I’ll be late I can’t find my keys I can’t leave the house.
- Corrected: I lost my keys, so I’ll be late.
By identifying and fixing run-on sentences in your writing, you can improve the clarity and flow of your text.
Whether you choose to break up the sentence, use punctuation, or restructure the sentence, each approach can help make your writing more effective.
Remember that understanding the cause of the error is key to finding the best solution to achieving writing that is both clear and engaging.