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, look below.

Run-On Sentence Worksheet

Most of the following sentences are run-on sentences. Punctuate the sentences which are incorrect.

1. My father retired from the Air Force last year he is writing a book about his experiences.
2. Jeff mowed the grass this morning and tonight he will water the flowers and bushes.
3. The small girl seemed to be lost, she was crying and looking for her mother.
4. Mrs. Dawson inherited a large sum of money from her brother so she can buy a new car now.
5. Kathy and Jerry worked very hard on their project therefore they felt they deserved a high grade.
6. I can never beat my little brother at video games; he has them all mastered.
7. Dave is flying to Orlando for spring break, he will be gone a week.
8. We are moving to Cincinnati in July and I'll go to college there.
9. The storm passed quickly through the area last night, and it caused a lot of damage.
10. We will be on vacation next week so we will be unable to attend your party.
11. We bought shoes, luggage, hats, and swimsuits at the mall fortunately, we have a large trunk in our car.
12. I didn't think it would be necessary to take my umbrella; after all, the sun was shining when I left home.
13. Most of my study time is spent on biology it's my toughest class.
14. My car ran out of gas therefore I was late for my appointment.
15. A fifth-grade student from our school won the spelling competition; she spelled words I had never heard before.
16. My younger brother collects aluminum cans to recycle and is saving the money for a new computer.
17. Jerry's dad is a pilot for a large airline sometimes he is gone for several days at a time.
18. My high school reunion is in three months I wonder if everyone will be there.
19. I've missed several classes because I was ill I hope I will pass the course.
20. Jeff is planning on going to Las Vegas for vacation; he'll need to take a lot of money.