RUN ON SENTENCES

Don’t get run over by…

What is a run on?

A run-on sentence is one that has two (or more) complete sentences or independent clauses joined together without proper punctuation.

For example:

My brother has big brown eyes he is able to talk my mother into about anything.

My brother has big brown eyes.

It is the first independent clause that can be a separate sentence.

He is able to talk my mother into about anything.

This is the second independent clause that can be a separate sentence

Separated:

My brother has big brown eyes. He is able to talk my mother into about anything.

Fixing Run-on SentencesThere are many ways to fix run-on sentences.

#1 Break it into two separate sentences.

Example:

error: Stephanie has red hair it is beautiful.

fixed: Stephanie has red hair. It is beautiful.

Fixing Run-on Sentences

# 2 Use conjunctions (and, but, so, yet, nor, etc.) and a comma.

Example:

error: Marilyn has blond hair it is shiny and pretty.

fixed: Marilyn has blond hair, and it is shiny and pretty.

Fixing Run-on Sentences

#3 You can also use a semi colon

Example:

error: Tommy has light brown hair it is short and spiky.

fixed: Tommy has light brown hair; it is short and spiky

Let’s try some together!

Add a period

Bella is our dog she loves to sleep on our laps.

Bella is our dog. She loves to sleep on our laps.

Add a comma and a conjunction

The couch was orange and green Grandma needs a new one.

The couch was orange and green, so Grandma needs a new one.

Add a semi colon

The snow is coming down fast we may get a snow day.

The snow is coming down fast; we may get a snow day.

Add a comma and a conjunction

Becky made a snowman he wore my father’s hat.

Becky made a snowman, and he wore my father’s hat.

Add a semi colon

Mark went sledding he lost his glove.

Mark went sledding; he lost his glove.