Run-on sentences occur when two complete sentences (noun +verb) are joined incorrectly. There are only two ways to correctly join sentences: with a comma + coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon.
Fused sentences
Fused sentences occur when an independent clause (simple sentence) is joined to another independent clause without any punctuation.
Example:
- Wrong: I went to the store they were out of bread. -> Notice that there are two complete independent clauses (simple sentences) joined together with no punctuation. Because each sentence is a complete sentence, they could each stand alone if we used a period.
- I went to the store. They were out of bread.
Comma splices
Comma splices occur when an independent clause (simple sentence) is joined to another clause with only a comma.
Example:
- Wrong: Susan ate some pie, it was delicious. -> Here, we also have two complete sentences that could stand alone. The sentences are incorrectly joined with a comma. We need a period to correct this mistake. Remember – commas cannot be used to join two complete sentences.
- Susan ate some pie. It was delicious.
Join independent clauses properly!
Solution 1
Comma + coordinating conjunction
The coordinating conjunctions are FANBOYS. Use them with a comma to join independent clauses.
|
FANBOYS |
For |
And |
Nor |
But |
Or |
Yet |
So |
Example:
- I went to the store, but they were out of bread.
- Susan ate some pie, and it was delicious.
Solution 2
Semicolon
A semicolon joins two independent clauses that you want to show are related but which you do not want to separate completely with a period. Use semicolons sparingly!
Example:
- I went to the store; they were out of bread.
- Susan ate some pie; it was delicious.