Run on sentences can make your writing hard to understand. When you connect complete thoughts without proper punctuation, readers get lost. Fortunately, fixing a run on sentence is straightforward once you know the techniques.
What is a Run On Sentence?
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined without proper punctuation or connecting words. For example:
“I went to the store I bought milk.”
This sentence contains two complete thoughts improperly connected.
Four Easy Ways to Fix Run On Sentences
1. Add a Period
The simplest solution is to split the run-on into separate sentences:
Run-on: “The movie was excellent I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
Fixed: “The movie was excellent. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
2. Use a Semicolon
When two ideas are closely related, a semicolon works well:
Run-on: “She studied all night she passed the test.”
Fixed: “She studied all night; she passed the test.”
3. Add a Comma and Coordinating Conjunction
Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet):
Run-on: “He missed the bus he was late for work.”
Fixed: “He missed the bus, so he was late for work.”
4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction
Make one clause dependent on the other with words like because, although, when, if:
Run-on: “I stayed home it was raining.”
Fixed: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to improve is through practice. Try these steps:
- Read your writing aloud
- Look for places where you need to pause
- Check if each part has a subject and verb
- Apply one of the four fixes above
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