Writing clear and concise sentences is a fundamental skill. One common writing error that many people make is creating run-on sentences. These sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are improperly joined. Understanding how to fix run on sentences can improve your writing significantly. This guide will explain how to identify and correct run on sentences, ensuring your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand. So, let’s dive in!

What Is a Run On Sentence?

A run-on sentence is when two or more independent clauses (complete sentences that can stand on their own) are connected without the proper punctuation or conjunctions. This creates a sentence that “runs on” without a clear structure, making it difficult for readers to understand.

For example, consider the sentence: “I love reading books I find them fascinating.” You can see two sentences that can exist on their own but lack the proper punctuation or conjunctions to separate them. Hence, if we do not use the appropriate punctuation this sentence is not grammatically correct and can affect the writing flow of our piece.

Types of Run On Sentences

There are several types of run-on sentences, including fused sentences and comma splices. In more detail:

1. Fused sentences: A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation. For example, “She loves painting she creates beautiful artwork.”
2. Comma splices: These happen when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. For example, “She loves painting, she creates beautiful artwork.”

Fixing Run On Sentences

Correcting run-on sentences involves adjusting the way independent clauses are connected. Here are a few ways to fix these sentences.

1. Use a Period

The simplest way to fix a run-on sentence is to separate the independent clauses with a period. This creates two distinct sentences. For example:

• Incorrect: “I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.”
• Correct: “I love to write papers. I would write one every day if I had the time.”

2. Use a Semicolon

A semicolon can be used to connect two closely related independent clauses. This method helps maintain the relationship between the clauses while making the sentence grammatically correct. For example:

• Incorrect: “I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.”
• Correct: “I love to write papers; I would write one every day if I had the time.”

3. Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction

A comma combined with a coordinating conjunction (such as “and,” “but,” or “or”) can also fix a run-on sentence. This method highlights the connection between the clauses. For example:

• Incorrect: “I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.”
• Correct: “I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had the time.”

4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction

Turning one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause with a subordinating conjunction (such as “because,” “although,” or “when”) can also fix a run-on sentence. This method emphasizes the relationship between the two clauses. For example:

• Incorrect: “I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.”
• Correct: “Because I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time.”

Examples of Run On Sentences and How To Fix Them

If you want to improve your essay-writing skills or ensure you produce a good piece of writing for any occasion, you need to be able to adjust run-on sentences to be grammatically correct. Here are some examples of run-on sentences and their corrections to help you gauge familiarity.

Example 1:

Incorrect: “The sun is high put on some sunscreen.”

You can adjust this sentence in various ways to correct it, such as:

1. “The sun is high. Put on some sunscreen.”
2. “The sun is high; put on some sunscreen.”
3. “The sun is high, so put on some sunscreen.”

Example 2:

Incorrect: “She enjoys playing tennis it is her favorite sport.”

You can rewrite this sentence by adding the correct punctuation or by using a subordinating conjunction to make it more grammatically correct:

1. “She enjoys playing tennis. It is her favorite sport.”
2. “She enjoys playing tennis; it is her favorite sport.”
3. “She enjoys playing tennis because it is her favorite sport.”

Understanding Comma Splices

A comma splice is a common type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. Here’s an example:

Incorrect: “She loves reading, she visits the library often.”

The more accurate and grammatically correct version of this sentence can be one of the three examples below:

1. “She loves reading. She visits the library often.”
2. “She loves reading; she visits the library often.”
3. “She loves reading, and she visits the library often.”

To fix a comma splice, you can use a period, a semicolon, or a comma with a coordinating conjunction.

The Importance of Proper Punctuation

Appropriate punctuation is crucial if you want to write better sentences for a research paper, for example, or for other occasions, too. Without proper punctuation, a run-on sentence can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Correcting these sentences by using periods, semicolons, and commas appropriately ensures that your writing is clear and concise.

According to a survey by Tidio, where 1,839 people took part, correct grammar is important in a piece of writing. During this survey, almost 97% of participants stated that grammar mistakes can influence the way they perceive a person or company. Hence, proper grammar and punctuation are essential, no matter whom a piece of writing is for.

How to Fix Run On Sentences: Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify a run-on sentence?

You can identify a run-on sentence by looking for independent clauses that are not correctly connected. If a sentence contains two or more complete thoughts but lacks proper punctuation or conjunctions, it is likely a run-on sentence.

What are the common types of run-on sentences?

The common types of run-on sentences are fused sentences and comma splices. Fused sentences have no punctuation between independent clauses, while comma splices use a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

How can I fix a run-on sentence?

Separate sentences and clauses with a period. Other options are to use a semicolon or add a comma with a coordinating conjunction. This turns one of the clauses into a dependent clause with a subordinating conjunction.

Why is it important to correct run-on sentences?

Correcting a run-on sentence is important because it can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your writing. Proper punctuation and sentence structure ensure that your writing is clear and easy to understand.

Enhance Your Writing With Smodin Today

Run-on sentences are a common writing error that can confuse readers and weaken your writing. By understanding what a run-on sentence is and how to fix it, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. 

Remember to use periods, semicolons, and commas with coordinating conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions to connect your independent clauses correctly. With practice, you can avoid run-on sentences and write a clear, concise, grammatically correct, complete sentence.

If you need help with your writing or want to improve your grammar, consider using online tools like the Smodin Grammar Checker. These tools can help you catch run-on sentences and other common grammar errors. Use Smodin and produce great pieces of writing while enhancing your grammar skills.