What Is a Run-On Sentence? How to Identify and Correct It

 

Clear communication depends greatly on well-structured sentences. When sentences are too long or improperly connected, they can confuse readers or listeners. One common issue many people encounter is the run-on sentence.

Understanding what a run-on sentence is, why it happens, and how to fix it is essential for anyone looking to improve their writing skills. This article will provide a thorough explanation of run-on sentences, illustrate them with examples, and offer strategies for correcting them.

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What Is a Run-On Sentence?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete sentences) are joined improperly without the correct punctuation or coordinating conjunctions. This results in a sentence that is grammatically incorrect and difficult to understand.

Put simply, a run-on sentence is like a traffic jam of ideas where two or more complete thoughts are forced together without proper separation.

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Understanding Independent Clauses

Before diving deeper, it is important to clarify what an independent clause is:

• An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

• Example: She enjoys reading.

• Another independent clause: He likes to write.

In correct writing, when two independent clauses appear together, they must be connected properly.

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Types of Run-On Sentences

1. Fused Sentence

This happens when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction.

• Example:

  • She loves coffee she drinks it every morning. (Incorrect)

2. Comma Splice

This happens when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, without a coordinating conjunction.

• Example:

  • She loves coffee, she drinks it every morning. (Incorrect)

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Why Are Run-On Sentences Problematic?

• Confusion: Run-ons can confuse readers because the ideas are not clearly separated.

• Lack of clarity: The reader may struggle to understand where one thought ends and the next begins.

• Unprofessional writing: Run-ons can make writing appear careless or unpolished, especially in formal contexts like academic papers, business reports, or professional communication.

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How to Identify a Run-On Sentence

Look for the following clues:

• The sentence contains two or more independent clauses that are not separated properly.

• The sentence feels too long or awkward, lacking natural pauses or breaks.

• It contains multiple subjects and verbs joined incorrectly.

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How to Fix Run-On Sentences

There are several methods to correct run-on sentences:

1. Use a Period to Separate the Clauses

• Run-on: She loves coffee she drinks it every morning.

• Correct: She loves coffee. She drinks it every morning.

2. Use a Semicolon

A semicolon can join two related independent clauses without a conjunction.

• Correct: She loves coffee; she drinks it every morning.

3. Use a Comma with a Coordinating Conjunction

The coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS).

• Correct: She loves coffee, and she drinks it every morning.

4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction to Create a Complex Sentence

Subordinating conjunctions include because, although, since, when, etc.

• Correct: Because she loves coffee, she drinks it every morning.

5. Rewrite the Sentence

Sometimes, splitting or rephrasing the sentence improves clarity.

• Correct: She drinks coffee every morning. It is her favorite drink.

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Examples of Run-On Sentences and Their Corrections

Run-On Sentence	Corrected Sentence
He went to the store he forgot to buy milk.	He went to the store. He forgot to buy milk.
I love reading, I do it every evening.	I love reading; I do it every evening.
She sings well, but she doesn’t like performing on stage.	She sings well, but she doesn’t like performing on stage.
The weather was cold we stayed inside.	Because the weather was cold, we stayed inside.
They wanted to go hiking however it started raining.	They wanted to go hiking; however, it started raining.

How to Avoid Run-On Sentences When Writing

• Plan your sentences: Think about your ideas and decide if they need to be in separate sentences.

• Use punctuation properly: Know when to use periods, commas with conjunctions, semicolons, or other punctuation marks.

• Read aloud: If a sentence sounds too long or confusing when spoken, it may be a run-on.

• Edit carefully: Review your writing specifically for sentence structure during editing.

• Practice: The more you write and revise, the better you will get at spotting and fixing run-ons.

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Conclusion

A run-on sentence is a common grammatical error where two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. This mistake can make your writing unclear, difficult to read, and unprofessional.

By learning to identify run-on sentences and understanding how to fix them using periods, semicolons, conjunctions, or rewriting, you can greatly improve the clarity and quality of your writing.

Remember, mastering sentence structure is key to effective communication, whether in academic, professional, or everyday contexts.