Run-on Sentences

Comma Splices

Two independent clauses combined with no joining elements:

,FANBOYS

semicolon “ ; ”

Dolphins have killed sharks they never attack humans.

Dolphins have killed sharks

they never attack humans.&

Two independent clauses incorrectly joined (spliced) together with only a comma.

Dolphins have killed sharks , they never attack humans.

How to Correct Run-Ons and Comma Splices

There are three common ways to correct run-ons and comma splices.

METHOD 1: Use a Period and a Capital Letter

Run-on The computer hummed loudly the sound was annoying

Comma Splice The computer hummed loudly, the sound was annoying.

Correct Version The computer hummed loudly. The sound was annoying.

METHOD 2: Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction (,FANBOYS).

Run-on Dolphins have killed sharks they never attack humans.

Comma Splice Dolphins have killed sharks, they never attack humans.

Correct Version Dolphins have killed shark, but they never attack humans.

Run-on The garden is overgrown the fence is falling down.

Comma Splice The garden is overgrown, the fence is falling down.

Correct Version The garden is overgrown, and the fence is falling down.

METHOD 2: Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction (,FANBOYS).

Run-on The little boy appeared to be lost several women stopped to help him.

Comma Splice The little boy appeared to be lost, several women stopped to help him.

Correct Version The little boy appeared to be lost, so several women stopped to help him.

METHOD 2: Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction (,FANBOYS).

METHOD 3: Use a semicolon to connect related ideas.

Run-on Rain fell steadily outside it was a good day to stay indoors.

Comma Splice Rain fell steadily outside, it was a good day to stay indoors.

Correct Version Rain fell steadily outside; it was a good day to stay indoors.