What are Run-on Sentences?
When we speak, our silence, pauses, gestures, and facial expressions complement what we say. We take a breath in between commas, and pause in between sentences. However, in writing, we only have punctuations—commas, periods, and exclamation points— to let readers know where to pause, stop, or put emotions to. Incorrect use of punctuation results in run-on sentences or fused sentences — two or more sentences joined by the wrong punctuation or no punctuation at all.
RUN-ON: James Baldwin was one of the 20th century’s greatest writers his works were a powerful reflection on racial discrimination in white America.
CORRECTED: James Baldwin was one of the 20th century’s greatest writers. His works were a powerful reflection on racial issues in white America.
Examples of Run-on Sentences and How to Correct Them:
To avoid rambling sentences, punctuate them properly. Follow these tips to craft better sentences without run-ons.
1. Use a period to end compound sentences. Commas cannot end a sentence.
RUN-ON: Van Gogh was an artistic genius who wasn’t appreciated in his own time, he created about 2,000 artworks including my favorite, The Starry Night.
CORRECTED: Van Gogh was an artistic genius who wasn’t appreciated in his own time.
He created about 2,000 artworks including my favorite, The Starry Night.
2. Join compound sentences with coordinating conjunctions.
Coordinating conjunctions are words such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (recall the mnemonic device FANBOYS). Put a comma before the coordinating conjunction that introduces an independent clause.
RUN-ON: ‘Wheatfield with Crows’ evokes a strong feeling of longing for home it is often said to be his last work.
CORRECTED: ‘Wheatfield with Crows’ evokes a strong feeling of longing for home, and it is often said to be his last work.
RUN-ON: Van Gogh was an artistic genius, he wasn’t appreciated in his own time.
CORRECTED: Van Gogh was an artistic genius, but he wasn’t appreciated in his own time.
ALSO CORRECT: Van Gogh was an artistic genius. He wasn’t appreciated in his own time.
Option: Use a semi-colon (;) instead of a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses.
Related Reading: Semicolon – The Combination Punctuation
CORRECT: ‘Wheatfield with Crows’ evokes a strong feeling of longing for home; it is often said to be his last work.
RUN-ON: He works 50 hours a week he only gets to read novels during weekends.
CORRECTED: He works 50 hours a week; he only gets to read novels during weekends.
ALSO CORRECT: He works 50 hours a week, so he only gets to read novels during weekends. [Here, no semi-colon was used but the meaning remains the same.]
ALSO CORRECT: He works 50 hours a week. He only gets to read novels during weekends
How to Use Coordinating Adverbs:
Remember that some transitional expressions and conjunctive adverbs follow a semi-colon to join two closely related independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs include however, hence, likewise, nevertheless, etc. Examples of transitional expressions are in addition, in fact, on the contrary, etc.
RUN-ON: I will pursue my education soon I need a job to support my family first.
CORRECTED: I will pursue my education soon; however, I need a job to support my family first.
ALSO CORRECT: I will pursue my education soon, but I need a job to support my family first. [Here, a coordinating conjunction was used to correct the sentence. It means the same as when however was used.]
Rewrite and Fix Run-on Sentences:
Notice how run-on sentences can be fixed in multiple ways: splitting independent clauses with a period; inserting a comma and a coordinating conjunction; or using a semi-colon in place of the conjunction. The task of rewriting and revision largely depends on your writing style – do you want to end the sentence? Add another clause? Use a semi-colon? Replace the conjunction? All these are up to you. Just keep in mind that when writing sentences, always aim for clarity, creativity, and impact.
Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about run-on sentences.
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