Run-on Sentences!!!

Guaranteed to confuse, annoy, frustrate, and irritate your readers:(

Definition of a Run-on:

• Two independent clauses (IC)s incorrectly joined without proper separation.

• I went to class today we talked about run- on sentences.

• English 53 really is my favorite class, I never want to miss it!

Two Types of Run-ons:

• Fused (RO)• Comma Splice (CS)

I went to class today we talked about run-on sentences. (RO)

English 53 really is my favorite class,

I never want to miss it! (CS)

Fixing Run-ons:

Once run-ons are detected, there are FIVE easy ways to fix them!

1) End first complete thought (IC) with a period/question mark & start a new

sentence (IC).

• What did I enjoy the most about English 53 I learned how to become a better writer! (RO)

• What did I enjoy the most about English 53? I learned how to become a better writer!

2) Turn one independent clause (IC) into a dependent clause (DC) and

connect them together into a COMPLEX sentence.

• I had issues with my manager, I overcame them and was given a promotion. (CS)

• Although I had issues my manager, I overcame them and was given a promotion.

3) Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction between the two

independent clauses making them into one COMPOUND sentence.

• Some people were worried about taking the FEE in English 60, I saw it as a challenge to overcome. (CS)

• Some people were worried about taking the FEE in English 60, but I saw it as a challenge to overcome.

4.) Add a semicolon between the two (IC)s making them into

a COMPOUND sentence.

• The FEE is no longer given in English 50 it will not be missed. (RO)

• The FEE is no longer given in English 50; it will not be missed.

5) Add a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb between the two (IC)s making them into a COMPOUND

sentence.

• Mary worked hard, consequently, she did well in class. (CS)

• Mary worked hard; consequently, she did well in class.

• SENTENCE PATTERN

BONUS!!!!

Creating a Compound-Complex Sentence!

Def: 2 IC’s correctly joined and 1 DC

• After I left school, I drove to my job, but I was not scheduled to work any hours.

• Maria studied her notes, and she reread several essays that she knew would be on the next test.

• Because he wanted to pass English 53, Ted read all the comments on his essays; therefore, he did well in the class by the end of the semester.