Correcting Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when trying to join two or more independent clauses together without proper punctuation. Run-on sentences can be very confusing to read since it is difficult to tell where one thought ends and another begins. Here is an example of a run-on sentence:

There are five ways to correct a run-on sentence.

1. Use two separate sentences.
   My sister Julie loves to write. She has had several short stories published.
   
   
2. Use a coordinating conjuction and a comma. These are the most common coordinating conjunctions : and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet.
   My sister Julie loves to write, and she has had several short stories published.
    
   
3. Use a subordinating conjunction. These are the most common subordinating conjunctions: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, whereas, while.
   My sister Julie loves to write because she has had several short stories published.
    
   
4. Use a semicolon.
   My sister Julie loves to write; she has had several short stories published.
   
   
5. Use a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb with a comma. These are the most common conjunctive adverbs: consequently, furthermore, however, in fact, indeed, moreover, nevertheless, then, therefore.
   My sister Julie loves to write; in fact, she has had several short stories published.
    
   
6. Be very careful not to use a comma alone to correct a run-on sentence. Doing this will result in what is known as a comma splice.
   My sister Julie loves to write, she has had several stories published.
   
   
7. When using a comma to correct a run-on, be sure to use a coordinating conjunction along with it.
8. To get more practice in correcting run-on sentences, click here.