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== Run-on sentences ==
Run-on sentences, also known as "fused sentences," contain two independent clauses incorrectly joined (Hacker 200). While a [[What is a “sentence fragment”?|sentence fragment]] is an incomplete sentence, a run-on jams together two or more sentences without the correct punctuation (Faigley 579).  
Run-on sentences, also known as "fused sentences", contain two independent clauses, either of which can stand by itself. When these two independent clauses are connected by a comma, it is known as a '''comma splice'''. When there is no comma, these clauses become harder to recognize. Another point about run-on sentences is that it really doesn't matter about the length of the sentence. A run-on can be a very short sentence, such as, ''Nothing is on television I should turn it off''. Just because a sentence is very long, though, it does not necessarily mean that it is a run-on. On one of the works I have cited below will have a link to a 239 word sentence. This quite long sentence is strucually correct, although it is not something you might want to use too much on papers or on-line entries.


== Avoiding Run-on sentences ==
Run-on sentences come in two types: the comma splice and the fused sentence. When two independent clauses are connected by a comma, this run-on is called a [[What is a “comma splice”?|comma splice]] (Hult 721).
* A really easy way to join the two independent clauses together is by a '''semicolon'''. When using a semicolon, though, one must remember that the two ideas have to be closely related to one another.
* The second way to join the two independent clauses  without having a run-on is to use either coordinating conjunctions or subordinating conjunctions.


== Types of Conjunctures==
: '''Comma splice''': I purchased most of what I needed at the store, they were out of milk.


=== Coordinating Conjunctures ===
When there is no comma, the run-on sentence is ''fused'' (Hacker 200).


When using a coordinating conjunction, remeber this pattern [independent clause/ comma/ coordinating conjuntion/ indpendent clause]. Below is a list of ways to use coordinating conjunctures.
: '''Fused''': I purchased most of what I needed at the store they were out of milk.


'''Examples'''
A run-on can be a short sentence, such as, "Nothing is on television I should turn it off." Just because a sentence is long, though, does not necessarily make it a run-on.
*Use ''and'' to indicate the addition of the second independent clause.
*Use ''but'' or ''yet'' to indicate contrast between two independent clauses.
*Use ''or'' to indicate a choice or alternative between two independent clauses.
*Use ''for'' to indicate that the second independent clause is the cause of the first.
*Use ''so'' to indicate that the second independent clause is the result of the first.


=== Subordinating Conjunctures ===
== The Rules ==
To avoid a run-on sentence:
* Separate the clauses with a [[How do you use a semicolon?|semicolon]] — or a colon or dash, when appropriate (Hacker 202).
* Insert a comma and a [[What are “coordinating conjunctions”?|coordinating conjunction]] between the clauses (Faigley 581).
* Turn one clause into a [[What are “subordinating conjunctions”?|subordinating clause]] (Hult 722).
* Make the clauses into seperate sentences (Hacker 202).


With subordinating conjunctures, there are two patterns you can use. The first [independent clause/subordinating conjuncture/independent clause] and the second is [subordinating conjuncture/independent clause/comma/independent clause]. Here are some ways to use subordinating conjunctures:
== Usage ==
=== Semicolon ===
If the clauses are equally important, use a semicolon to separate them (Hult 723).


'''Examples'''
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store; they were out of milk.
*Use ''after, before, once, until, when,'' and ''where'' to indicate time relationships.
*Use ''because'' and ''since'' to indicate a reason.
*Use ''if'' to indicate cause and effect.
*Use ''unless'' to indicate a negative cause and effect.
*Use ''although'' and ''(even) though'' to indicate "in spite of".


== Work Cited ==
A [[What are “conjunctive adverbs”?|transitional word]] might also help the sentence flow and clarity (Faigley 581):
[http://www.tillyer.net/GLOW/fsi167.htm Grammar Lessons On the Web]
 
[http://ace.acadiau.ca/english/grammar/runon.htm The Grammar Outlaw]
: I purchased most of what I needed at the store; however, they were out of milk.
[http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm Run-on Sentences]
 
[http://www.stevens.edu/wit/grammar/run-on_sentences.shtml Writing Instruction Tutorial]
=== Comma and Coordinating Conjunction ===
 
=== Subordinating Clause ===
 
=== Sentences ===
 
== Links ==
*[http://www.tillyer.net/GLOW/fsi167.htm Grammar Lessons On the Web]
*[http://ace.acadiau.ca/english/grammar/runon.htm The Grammar Outlaw]
*[http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm Run-on Sentences]
*[http://www.stevens.edu/wit/grammar/run-on_sentences.shtml Writing Instruction Tutorial]
 
== Works Cited ==
*Faigley, Lester. ''The Penguin Handbook.'' New York: Longman, 2003.
*Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference.'' 5th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003.
*Hult, Christine A. and Thomas N. Hucklin. ''The New Century Handbook.'' 3rd Ed. New York: Longman, 2005.
 
[[Category:Composition]]
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