A run-on sentence contains two or more independent clauses that are not connected by the proper punctuation. A run-on sentence may have a period as its only punctuation mark, or it may be inappropriately punctuated with one or more commas (this type of run-on sentence is called a "comma splice.")
The college entrance examinations will test your ability to identify and correct run-on sentences. Furthermore, you should be aware of the different ways to combine and separate independent clauses so that your writing is effective, clear, and concise.
This is a run-on sentence:
I can't wait to go to the concert my favorite band is playing.
The sentence contains two independent clauses that run into each other:
- "I can't wait to go to the concert"
- "my favorite band is playing"
These are the different ways to correct the error:
1. Use a period to separate the independent clauses into sentences.
I can't wait to go to the concert. My favorite band is playing.
2. Use a semicolon to separate the independent clauses within a single sentence. A semicolon can be used alone, or it can be followed by a conjunctive adverb and a comma. (You may need to restructure the sentence when using a conjunctive adverb to maintain the clarity of the sentence.)
- conjunctive adverbs: also, consequently, furthermore, however, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, therefore, thus
I can't wait to go to the concert; my favorite band is playing.
My favorite band is playing; consequently, I can't wait to go to the concert.
3. Use a conjunction to join the two clauses. Depending on the context, use either a coordinating conjunction and a comma or a subordinating conjunction alone. (If you choose to restructure the sentence and place the subordinate clause first, use a comma to separate it from the main clause.)
- coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (mnemonic = FANBOYS)
- subordinating conjunctions: e.g., after, although, as, because, before, if, since, that, though, unless, until
I can't wait to go to the concert, for my favorite band is playing.
I can't wait to go to the concert because my favorite band is playing.
Since my favorite band is playing, I can't wait to go to the concert.
4. Change the syntax to create a compound subject, verb, or object.
I can't wait to go to the concert and see my favorite band.
This syntax creates a compound object with two infinitive phrases: "to go to the concert" and "(to) see my favorite band."
This is a comma splice:
I am going to the concert, my sister is also going.
This sentence contains two independent clauses incorrectly separated by a comma:
- "I am going to the concert"
- "my sister is also going"
Correct the sentence using one of the four techniques:
1. Use a period:
I am going to the concert. My sister is also going.
2. Use a semicolon:
I am going to the concert; my sister is also going.
I am going to the concert; likewise, my sister is going.
3. Use a conjunction:
I am going to the concert, and my sister is also going.
4. Change the syntax:
My sister and I are going to the concert.
This sentence combines the two clauses by creating a compound subject ("my sister and I") and changing the number of the verb.
- Use this quiz to test your ability to identify run-on sentences. The quiz also includes questions about sentence fragments.
- Take these interactive quizzes on run-on sentences and comma splices: 1, 2, 3, 4
- If you have trouble with any of the questions, post a comment and we will try to explain the error to you.
