1 RUN-ONS “I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.” Marie Curie

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RUN-ONS “I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.”

Marie Curie

Created by José J. Gonzalez, Jr.

Spring 2002 2

What is a run-on?

A run-on is a group of words which contains more than one sentence, but which is not separated, or punctuated or joined correctly.

A run-on is one of the most serious grammatical errors!


Spring 2002 3

This is an example of a run-on.

You must drive slowly a storm is coming in from the coast.

Do we have more than one independent clause here?


Spring 2002 4

So when you are not sure whether a sentence is a run-on, you need to ask yourself –How many independent clauses do you have in the sentence and are they joined or separated correctly.

You must drive slowly a storm is coming in from the coast.

(Yes, we do have more than one independent clause here.)


Spring 2002 5

Ways to correct the

problem. You must drive slowly. A storm is

coming in from the coast. You must drive slowly; a storm is

coming in from the coast. You must drive slowly, for a storm

is coming in from the coast. You must drive slowly because a

storm is coming in from the coast.(As you can see,you can correct a run-on in four different

ways. However, depending on the sentences which you are working with, there maybe one or two options which are better than the others.


Spring 2002 6

Correct the following run-ons. Some are correct. This is good pizza where did you buy it?

Hold your bat this way, or you will never hit the ball.

You may not like green beans nonetheless they are very good for you.

The artist walked around the gallery he was worried that he would not sell a painting.

Aqua and blue are some of my favorite colors red is also a color I am fond of.

We were about to jump into the pool when we decided that maybe we should fill it up with water before we jump in.

(In making corrections, try to look for the easiest method without disrupting the sentences too much.)


Spring 2002 7

Corrections:

This is good pizza. Where did you buy it?

Hold your bat this way, or you will never hit the ball.

You may not like green beans; nonetheless, they are very good for you.

The artist walked around the gallery; he was worried that he would not sell a painting.

Aqua and blue are some of my favorite colors; red is also a color I am fond of.

We were about to jump into the pool when we decided that maybe we should fill it up with water before we jump in.


Spring 2002 8

Correct the following run-ons. Some are correct. Andres walked home he also ate a banana along the way.

Marisol saw the butterfly it was yellow and black, the brightest colors in the world.

We do not want to sing, for we are hoarse. The morning after the storm, we were all tired of moving sand

bags. Going to the beach on a hot day is one of my favorite activities,

especially when I go with my kids. We did not see the book however we did see a notebook. Under the car was a mechanic he was frustrated because he

could not unscrew a rusty screw. I don’t usually like to run, but it is a good form of exercise. Bring me that cup of tea get some lumps of sugar from the

cupboard, please. I don’t find that very funny Sergio is a good friend of mine.


Spring 2002 9

Corrections:

Andres walked home; he also ate a banana along the way. Marisol saw the butterfly. It was yellow and black, the brightest

colors in the world. We do not want to sing, for we are hoarse. The morning after the storm, we were all tired of moving sand

bags. Going to the beach on a hot day is one of my favorite activities,

especially when I go with my kids. We did not see the the book; however, we did see a notebook. Under the car was a mechanic; he was frustrated because he

could not unscrew a rusty screw. I don’t usually like to run, but it is a good form of exercise. Bring me that cup of tea; get some lumps of sugar from the

cupboard, please. I don’t find that very funny. Sergio is a good friend of mine.


Spring 2002 10

1) Martha moans and groans upon getting up in the morning she sounds like a crazy woman.

2) The carpet in their house needs to be replaced the walls should be painted as well.

3) Yoko has a twenty-mile drive to school she sometimes arrives late for class.

4) I lifted the empty coke bottle a few more drops fell out of it and into my thirsty mouth

5) I found the cat sleeping on the stove the dog was eating the morning mail.

6) These pants are guaranteed to wear like iron they also fell like iron.

7) I saw a black-and-white blob on the highway soon the odor of skunk wafted through my car.

8) She gets A's in her math homework by using her pocket calculator she is not allowed to use the calculator at school.

9) Flies were getting into the house the window screen was torn. 10) I did not know that walking was such good exercise until I

started to walk in earnest.

Assignment:

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1 RUN-ONS “I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.” Marie Curie