How to Avoid Run-On Sentences
Run-on sentences are a common writing mistake that can make your ideas hard to follow. They occur when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are incorrectly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Luckily, run-ons are easy to fix once you understand the rules. Let’s explore how to avoid them and keep your writing clear and concise.
What Is a Run-On Sentence?
A run-on sentence happens when two independent clauses are combined without the right punctuation or connecting word. For example:
Incorrect: I love to write I find it relaxing.
In this case, “I love to write” and “I find it relaxing” are both complete sentences (independent clauses), but they’re joined together with no punctuation or coordinating conjunction (e.g., "and," "but," "or").
Types of Run-On Sentences
Fused Sentence: This happens when two sentences are merged without any punctuation.
Example: The sun was setting the sky turned orange.
Comma Splice: This occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma.
Example: I finished my homework, I went to bed.
While a comma seems like it should be enough to join two ideas, it’s not strong enough on its own to separate complete sentences.
How to Fix Run-On Sentences
Fortunately, fixing run-on sentences is simple once you know the different techniques. Here are a few ways to correct them:
1. Use a Period
The easiest way to fix a run-on sentence is to separate the two clauses with a period, creating two distinct sentences.
Correct: I love to write. I find it relaxing.
2. Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction
Another option is to use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction like "and," "but," or "so." This helps link the two ideas while giving the reader a pause.
Correct: I love to write, and I find it relaxing.
3. Use a Semicolon
If the two ideas are closely related, a semicolon can effectively separate them without creating two distinct sentences.
Correct: I love to write; I find it relaxing.
4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction
You can also connect the clauses by making one dependent on the other using a subordinating conjunction like "because," "although," or "since."
Correct: I love to write because I find it relaxing.
Tips to Avoid Run-On Sentences
Break down long sentences: If a sentence feels too long, see if you can split it into two or more shorter sentences.
Check for subjects and verbs: Make sure each independent clause has its own subject and verb. If you find two or more in a sentence, consider separating them.
Use the right punctuation: Don’t rely on commas alone. Semicolons, periods, and conjunctions are all tools to keep your sentences organized.
Read aloud: If a sentence feels like it runs on forever when you read it aloud, that’s a sign it might be a run-on.
Examples of Corrected Run-On Sentences
Run-on: She loves baking cakes she always brings one to parties.
Correction: She loves baking cakes, and she always brings one to parties.
Run-on: It was raining hard we canceled the picnic.
Correction: It was raining hard, so we canceled the picnic.
Run-on: He wanted to go to the concert he didn’t have any tickets.
Correction: He wanted to go to the concert, but he didn’t have any tickets.
Know the Rules
Run-on sentences can make your writing difficult to understand, but they’re easy to fix once you know the rules. By using periods, commas with coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or subordinating conjunctions, you can avoid run-ons and keep your writing smooth and clear. Practice identifying and correcting run-on sentences, and soon your writing will be much more polished!