Run-On Sentences
Jared Aragona
The Two Types of Run-on Sentences
Fused Sentences: These occur when no punctuation marks separate two or more independent clauses.
A low quiz grade can be a stressful and painful part of anyone’s day studying helps.
Comma Splices: These occur when a comma is used to separate two or more independent clauses. Commas are not strong enough to separate independent clauses by themselves.
A low quiz grade can be a stressful and painful part of anyone’s day, studying helps.
4 Ways to Fix Run-on Sentences
#1: Use a period and a capital letter to make the clauses into their own sentences.
A low quiz grade can be a stressful and painful part of anyone’s day. Studying helps.
#2: Use a semi-colon between the independent clauses (only when closely related — don’t overuse).
A low quiz grade can be a stressful and painful part of anyone’s day; studying helps.
#3: Use a comma AND a coordinating conjunction.
A low quiz grade can be a stressful and painful part of anyone’s day, but studying helps.
#4: Use a subordinating conjunction (with or without a comma, depending upon emphasis).
A low quiz grade can be a stressful and painful part of anyone’s day though studying helps.
The MLCKRB (Master List Code Key and Rule Book): An English Grammar & Style Handbook by Jared Aragona, CC BY 4.0
