| Run-on Sentences
We all want our writing to contain well formed sentences that are free of mistakes; however, even experienced writers make mistakes from time to time. One common mistake that writers make is known as a run-on sentence.
A run-on sentence consists of two independent clauses connected incorrectly. The most common run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. When this happens, the run-on sentence is referred to as a comma splice. Another common error is to join two independant clauses with no punctuation and without a conjunction.
The following sentences are examples of run-on sentences.
We live in a rapidly changing world, it requires us to keep up with new advances in technology.
[run-on, comma splice]
Jane studies English every day, therefore she is improving her skills.
[run-on, comma splice with a conjunctive adverb]
I have many friends some of them live far away.
[run-on, no punctuation or conjunction]
To correct the errors in the sentences above requires the proper use of
conjunctions and punctuation. To avoid run-on sentences, it is important to remember that two independent clauses CANNOT
be joined using only a comma.
To correct sentence number 1,
change the comma to a semicolon, or replace it with
the relative pronoun which.
-
We live in a rapidly changing world; it requires us to keep up with new advances in technology.
or
We live in a rapidly changing world, which requires us to keep up with new advances in technology.
Sentence number 2 contains the
conjunctive adverb therefore, which is often mistaken for a conjunction. To correct sentence number 2,
change the comma to a semicolon, and then add a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
Jane studies English every day; therefore, she is improving her skills. Sentence number 3 has no punctuation or conjunction. To correct this type of run-on sentence, you must first find the subjects and verbs; then decide where the sentence can be separated. The subject-verb combination of the first independent clause is I (subject) have (verb). The second subject-verb combination is some of them (subject), live (verb). Now that we know where the subject-verb combinations are, we can add a coordinating conjunction with a comma, and create a compound sentence.
I have many friends, but some of them live far away.
Practice
Read the sentences below. Are they complete sentences, or are they run-on sentences? On a separate sheet of paper, write each sentence; then, next to each sentence write S if the sentence is complete, or R if it is a run-on sentence. Click the sentence to see the correct answer.
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First he spoke quietly, then he started to yell.
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I got a typing speed of 40, which is good for a beginner.
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When I saw him, I laughed till I cried.
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The path is stony, it hurts my feet.
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One man went to work, the other went to school.
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Exploring all the rooms, we walked slowly through the old mansion.
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While attending the University of Tennessee, I was an exchange student at Manchester University.
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Just start running, see how fast you can go.
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