What are run-on sentences and how do I fix them?
When you proofread your paper you might find a run-on sentence, but what is it? A run-on sentence is when you have two or more sentences that are combined without the correct punctuation, connecting word(s), or both. This creates one very long and confusing sentence. There are two types of run-on sentences,
- Comma splice
- A comma splice happens when independent clauses (sentences) connect with a comma, but without a connecting word.
“The man and his daughter tried to finder her new apartment, they searched for most of the morning with no luck.”
- Fused Sentence
- A fused sentence is when independent clauses have been connected without any punctuation or connecting words.
“The man and his daughter tried to finder her new apartment they searched for most of the morning with no luck.”
How do I fix a run-on sentence?
To fix a run-on sentence you must include punctuation and/or conjoining words. Here are some of the many different methods,
- Period: This separates the two independent clauses
“The man and his daughter tried to finder her new apartment. They searched for most of the morning with no luck.”
- Coordinating conjunction: This connects the two independent clauses.
“The man and his daughter tried to finder her new apartment, but they searched for most of the morning with no luck.”
- Subordinating word: Make the first clause a subordinate instead of an independent clause though subordinating word.
“Though the man and his daughter tried to finder her new apartment, they searched for most of the morning with no luck.”