Run-on Sentences

1. Run-on Sentences

2. Run on sentences are two independent clauses, improperly joined. INCORRECT EX: I like potatoes they taste good. clause 1 clause 2

3. You have three options to correct run-on sentences: 1. With a conjunction and, or, but, so, because, for, nor, yet, although Depending on the situation, a comma can be used before the conjunction.

4. You have three options to correct run-on sentences: 2. With a semi-colon Using a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, nonetheless, as a result, moreover, furthermore, consequently, thus, hence, otherwise, similarly) with the semi colon is optional

5. You have three options to correct run-on sentences: 3. With a period Put a period between the two clauses to make it two separate sentences.

6. For instance INCORRECT: Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all night, they are probably wrong. With a comma & conjunction Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all night, but they are probably wrong.

7. For instance With a semicolon Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all night; they are probably wrong. With a period Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all night. They are probably wrong.

8. There are a few situations in which run-ons are apt to happen. Trap #1 When a pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun in the first clause: The President’s popularity has plummeted, he apparently underestimated the opposition.

9. There are a few situations in which run-ons are apt to happen. Trap #2 When a suggestion or directive occurs in the second clause: You will be responsible for this material on the final exam, study it thoroughly now.

10. There are a few situations in which run-ons are apt to happen. Trap #3 When two clauses are connected by a transitional expression: Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices, however, the opposite is actually true.

11. Memorize which words pair with commas and which words pair with semi-colons!

12. Now you try. Correct the following run on sentences by adding a comma, semi-colon, or period. Add conjunctions where necessary. Write “C” if the sentence is correct as is and circle the conjunction. The sun is high, so put on some sunscreen. Mr. Nguyen has sent his four children to ivy-league colleges, however, he has sacrificed his health working day and night in that dusty bakery. This computer doesn't make sense to me, it came without a manual.

13. Now you try. Correct the following run on sentences by adding a comma, semi-colon, or period. Add conjunctions where necessary. Write “C” if the sentence is correct as is and circle the conjunction. The airport is about to shut down because of the snow and if the plane doesn't land soon it will have to go on to Boston. The show begins at 7:30 make sure you're there before 7:15.

14. Now you try. Correct the following run on sentences by adding a comma, semi-colon, or period. Add conjunctions where necessary. Write “C” if the sentence is correct as is and circle the conjunction. Having prepared himself well for the realtor exams and having exhausted everyone in the family with his requests that someone help him with the true-and-false drills, Jeffrey, who had never been a particularly good student in high school, knew he was ready to take on the greatest challenge of his life. Throughout history money and religion were closely linked there was little distinction between government and religion.

15. Now you try. Correct the following run on sentences by adding a comma, semi-colon, or period. Add conjunctions where necessary. Write “C” if the sentence is correct as is and circle the conjunction. The head of state and the religious leader were often the same person all power rested in one ruler. The ink dries quickly this makes writing easier. The boy showed us his tickets someone gave them to him