Run-on sentences Run-on sentence: Is when two or more independent clauses are joined forcibly. Independent clause: Is a sentence that includes a subject and a predicate and makes sense and can stand by itself. Explanation of example: “Branden is hungry Branden started to nibble Kevin’s arm.” “Branden is hungry” is a independent clause. “Branden started to nibble Kevin’s arm.” is the second independent clause. Because there are two independent clauses, this sentence is a run-on sentence!!! Then, how do we fix it?; Ways to fix it: 1. Use a period. The easiest way to fix a run- on sentence is to split the sentence into smaller sentences using a period. ( . ) 2. Use a semicolon ( ; ) 3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction ( , FANBOYS ) 4. Use a subordinating conjunction. ( After before because as if etc.. ) Below some are examples.
Ex)
- Kevin is cold Kevin ate ice cream
- Branden is hungry Branden started to nibble Kevin’s arm
Ex)
“Branden is hungry Branden started to nibble Kevin’s arm.” could be fixed as: “Branden is hungry, so he started to nibble Kevin’s arm”.
Same as the first sentence: “Kevin is cold Kevin ate ice cream” could be fixed as: “Kevin is cold, but Kevin ate ice cream”.
Test questions:
- Yes or No (Is this a run-on sentence?)
“It was wonderful weather on Monday the boy flew the kite outside”
2. Which is not a way to fix a run-on sentence?
- Using a period ( . )
- Using a semicolon ( ; )
- Using a dash ( – )
- Using a subordinating conjunction ( after, before, because, as, if, etc )
3. Fix the run-on sentences.
“Today was the best day in the whole world my family began our beach vacation.
4. How many independent clauses do you need in a run-on sentence?
Hint: Use the example shown above to solve the questions
Answer 1. Yes
Answer 2. Using a dash ( – )
Answer 3. “Today was the best day in the whole world Because my family began our beach vacation.
Answer 4. Two or more