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6.2.4: Identifying Fragments and Run-On Sentences, Avoid Run-on Sentences

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    Avoid Run-on Sentences

    Read this article on run-on sentences.

    What is a Run-on Sentence?

    A run-on (or fused) sentence consists of two or more independent clauses that have been joined without appropriate punctuation or coordinating words. Dividing a run-on sentence into concise, meaningful units can help to clarify your message.

    How to Divide a Run-on Sentence

    • Locate the fused independent clauses; it may help to underline the subject-verb pairs.
    • Draw a vertical line (or lines) on your paper to separate the independent clauses.
    • Use an end mark and proper capitalization to separate the independent clauses into two (or more) complete sentences.
    • Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (fanboys: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate related independent clauses.
    • Use a semicolon (;), colon (:), or dash (–) to separate related independent clauses.
    • Change one independent clause into a dependent clause and join the two clauses, using appropriate punctuation.
    • Rewrite two fused independent clauses as one cohesive independent clause.

    Let's Look at an Example:

    Incorrect: One way to confront a problem is to seek advice it can come from someone with more life experience.

    Correction A: One way to confront a problem is to seek advice; it can come from someone with more life experience.

    Correction B: One way to confront a problem is to seek advice. Frequently, guidance can come from someone with more life experience.

    6.2.4: Identifying Fragments and Run-On Sentences, Avoid Run-on Sentences is shared under a CC BY-NC-ND license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.