Run On Sentences

Do you know people who just talk on and on and on and never seem to let up? In a verbal conversation, it can be difficult to know when they’ve come to a period (.), but in writing, it should always be obvious and the sentences should be shorter.

So what is a run on sentence? A run-on sentence is “two or more independent clauses that are written  as a single sentence but are not connected with appropriate punctuation or conjunctions”.

Here is an example of a run-on sentence: I love to write books and I would write one every week if I had the time and patience and I would make sure it would be an enjoyable read for people who love to read. Whew!!!

Correcting Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence can be fixed by connecting its parts correctly. There are several ways to connect independent clauses.

1. Use a period. The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller sentences using a period. This revision works especially well with longer sentences. Check, however, to make sure that this solution does not result in short, choppy sentences. Revision example: I love to write books. I would write one every week if I had the time and patience. I would make sure it would be enjoyable for people who love to read.
2. Use a semicolon. Inserting a semicolon between independent clauses creates a grammatically correct sentence. Using a semicolon is a stylistic choice that establishes a close relationship between the two sentences. Revision example: I love to write books; I would write one every week if I had the time and patience; I would also make sure it would be enjoyable for people who love to read.
3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A comma, paired with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., “and,” “but,” or “or”), corrects a run-on sentence. This method emphasizes the relationship between the two clauses. Revision example: I love to write papers, and I would write one every week if I had the time and patience. (You could DELETE the rest of the sentences because they don’t add anything to what you’re saying)
4. Use a subordinating conjunction. Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause. A subordinating conjunction (e.g., “because,” “unless,” and “although”) connects two clauses to create a complex sentence. This option works to cement the relationship between the two parts of the sentence and may improve the flow of the clauses. Example: Because I love to write books, I would write one every week if I had the time and patience. (The last two sentences aren’t necessary.

Tip:

Keep most of your sentences short and to the point. When you use long sentences, make sure they are punctuated correctly and clearly say what you really mean.