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Run-on Sentences and How to Fix Them.

Independent Clause

Remember, an independent clause is a group of words that can express a complete idea by itself. The following is an example:

I can run.

In the example above, we can find a subject (I), and a verb (can run), and together, they express a complete, independent idea.

A run-on sentence happens when a writer joins two independent clauses without correct punctuation. See the example below. How many independent clauses does it have?

I can run five miles this used to be difficult for me.

In the example above, there are two independent clauses: I can run five miles and this used to be difficult for me. Because they both express a complete idea, those clauses cannot be placed together without any punctuation.

In the next section, we’ll look at ways to fix run-on sentences.

How to Fix Run-on Sentences

There are three ways to fix run-on sentences: We can add a conjunction to join them, separate the sentences with a period, or connect the sentences with a semicolon.

Let’s look at the run-on sentence from the first part of this lesson:

I can run five miles this used to be difficult for me.

There are three ways to fix this run-on sentence:

1. Add a conjunction to join the sentences.
I can run five miles, even though this used to be difficult for me.

2. Separate the sentences with a period.
I can run five miles. This used to be difficult for me.

3. Use a semicolon to show a close relationship between the two sentences.
I can run five miles; this used to be difficult for me.

Practice Problems

1. True or False: An independent clause expresses a complete idea.
2. True or False: Two independent clauses can be joined without punctuation.
3. Is the following a run-on sentence? Jodi goes on vacation each April it’s her favorite time of year.
4. Is the following a run-on sentence? We are cleaning the house this Saturday; can you help?
5. Is the following a run-on sentence? They left early this morning, as they had a long drive.
6. Is the following a run-on sentence? I love to study math I like how it helps me think critically.
7. The following passage contains a run-on sentence. What is the best way to correct the run-on sentence?

  1. They did it again why do people keep doing this?
  2. They did it again, why do people keep doing this?
  3. They did it again I don’t know why people keep doing this?
  4. They did it again why do people keep doing this.
  5. They did it again; why do people keep doing this?

8. The following passage contains a run-on sentence. What is the best way to correct the run-on sentence?

  1. Stop talking it is time to listen to the lecture.
  2. Stop talking. It is time to listen to the lecture.
  3. Stop talking it is time to listen, to the lecture.
  4. Stop talking, it is time to listen to the lecture.
  5. We should stop talking it is time to listen to the lecture.

9. The following passage contains a run-on sentence. What is the best way to correct the run-on sentence?

  1. Jill thinks I’m crazy she is the one that is crazy.
  2. Jill thinks I’m crazy though she, is the one that is crazy.
  3. Jill thinks I’m crazy, but she is the one that is crazy.
  4. Jill thinks I’m crazy and she is the one that is crazy.
  5. Jill thinks I’m crazy, she is the one that is crazy.

10. In the passage below, which sentences are all run-on sentences? (1) My favorite vacations allow me to relax and be with those I love I do not like to feel rushed. (2) For example, during the holidays, I visited my grandparents in the country and had such a great time. (3) I did not create an agenda for my visit I simply wanted to enjoy my grandparents’ company and breathe the fresh country air. (4) I helped my grandfather milk the cow and feed the chickens. (5) I even helped my grandmother bake bread and clean the house it did not matter what I did as long as I was with my grandparents that kind of vacation truly relaxes me and gives me joy.

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Answer Key
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Answers:
  1. True
  2. False
  3. Yes, it is a run-on sentence.
  4. No, it is not a run-on sentence.
  5. No, it is not a run-on sentence.
  6. Yes, it is a run-on sentence.
  7. They did it again; why do people keep doing this?
  8. Stop talking. It is time to listen to the lecture.
  9. Jill thinks I’m crazy, but she is the one that is crazy.
  10. Sentences 1, 3, and 5
)

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    Identifying Sentence Fragments
    Comma Splice Run-on Sentences