2. What are Run-Ons? Two complete thoughts (independent clauses) are run together with no adequate sign given to mark the break between them.
3. Types of Run-Ons Run-ons that have no punctuation to mark the break between thoughts are fused sentences: they are joined together as if only one thought. Ex. My grades are good my social life gets a C.
4. Types of Run-Ons Run-ons that use a comma to connect two complete thoughts are a comma splice. Ex. My grades are good, my social life gets a C. A comma alone is not strong enough to connect two complete thoughts (independent clauses). A stronger, clearer mark is needed between two thoughts.
5. Comma Splices Comma splices can also occur when two or more independent clauses are separated by a comma and a coordinating adverb, instead of by a coordinating conjunction. Ex. Jim studied for the test, therefore he passed. Conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, for, so, & yet.
6. Words that Lead to Run-ons People often write run-ons when the second thought begins with one of these words… I, you, he, she, it, we, they, there, this, that, now, then, next. Be on the alert for run-ons when you use these words!
7. Correcting Run-ons Method 1. Period and a capital letter. For fused sentences, locate where the major break is between thoughts. Place a period in-between thoughts. Make the first letter of the first word in the second thought a capital letter. Ex. My grades are good. My social life gets a C.
8. Method 2. Comma and a joining word. Use a comma and a joining word (conjunction). And- In addition to, along with. But- Yet, however, on the other hand, just the opposite, except. For- Because*, the reason why, the cause of something. So- As a result, therefore. Ex. My grades are good, but my social life gets a C.
9. Method 3. Semicolon ( ; ) Use a semicolon to mark the break between thoughts. A semicolon is known as a strong comma. The semicolon may be used alone. Ex. It rained all week; the highway was flooded.
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11. Read the sentence aloud & listen for a break to indicate two complete thoughts. Your voice will probably drop and pause at a break. Read the paper aloud from last sentence to first. This will help you hear and see each complete thought.
