What is a “run-on” sentence?
Run-on sentences or "fused sentences" contain two independent clauses incorrectly joined (Hacker 200). While a sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence, a run-on jams together two or more sentences without the correct punctuation (Faigley 579).
Two types of run-on sentences:
- Comma splice:
When two independent clauses are connected by a comma, this run-on is called a comma splice (Hult 721).
Example: I purchased most of what I needed at the store, they were out of bread.
- Fused sentence:
When there is no comma, the run-on sentence is fused (Hacker 200).
Examples: I purchased most of what I needed at the store they were out of bread.
A run-on can be a short sentence. Just because a sentence is long, though, does not necessarily make it a run-on.
Example: Nothing is on television I should turn it off.
The Rules
To avoid a run-on sentence:
- Separate the clauses with a semicolon — or a colon or dash, when appropriate (Hacker 202).
- Insert a comma and a coordinating conjunction between the clauses (Faigley 581).
- Turn one clause into a subordinating clause (Hult 722).
- Make the clauses into separate sentences (Hacker 202).
Usage
Semicolon
If the clauses are equally important, use a semicolon to separate them (Hult 723).
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store; they were out of bread.
A transitional word might also help sentence flow and clarity (Faigley 581; Hacker 204):
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store; however, they were out of bread.
Comma and Coordinating Conjunction
The easiest, and frequently the best, way of correcting the run-on sentence is by using a comma and a coordinating conjuction. There are seven to choose from: for, and, nor, but, or, yet (Hacker 202).
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store, but they were out of bread.
Subordinating Clause
Another option would be to subordinate one of the clauses (Hacker 205).
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store, although they were out of bread.
Sentences
Simply making each independent clause a sentence also easily fixes a run-on.
- I purchased most of what I needed at the store. They were out of bread.
Links
References
- 1. Faigley, Lester. The Penguin Handbook. New York: Longman, 2003.
- 2. Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 5th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003.
- 3. Hult, Christine A. and Thomas N. Hucklin. The New Century Handbook. 3rd Ed. New York: Longman, 2005.