Run-On Sentences (and Paragraphs)

What are Run-On Sentences?

Imagine you're telling a friend a story, and you just keep talking and talking without taking a breath. A run-on sentence is like that – it's two or more complete sentences that are squished together without the right punctuation or connections.

Why Fix Run-On Sentences?

• Clearer Meaning: Run-on sentences can be confusing. Breaking them up makes your writing easier to understand.
• Better Flow: Fixing run-on sentences helps your writing sound smoother and more natural.

How to Spot a Run-On Sentence:

1. Look for Complete Thoughts: A complete thought has a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a verb (the action). If you see two complete thoughts stuck together, it's likely a run-on.
2. Check for Conjunctions: Words like "and," "but," "or," "so" can connect sentences, but they need punctuation with them.
3. Read it Aloud: If you have to take a breath in the middle of a sentence, it might be too long.

3 Easy Ways to Fix Run-On Sentences:

1. Period and Capital Letter: The simplest way to fix a run-on is to make each complete thought its own sentence.
   • Run-on: I went to the store bought some apples.
   • Fixed: I went to the store. I bought some apples.
2. Semicolon: If the two sentences are closely related, you can connect them with a semicolon.
   • Run-on: She likes to read books goes to the library often.
   • Fixed: She likes to read books; she goes to the library often.
3. Comma and Conjunction: Use a comma followed by a conjunction (and, but, or, so, etc.) to join the sentences.
   • Run-on: He was tired still finished his homework.
   • Fixed: He was tired, but he still finished his homework.

Example Practice:

Let's practice together! Try fixing these run-on sentences:

1. We went to the park had a picnic.
2. She loves to dance takes classes every week.
3. He studied hard for the test he got a good grade.

Run-On Paragraph:

Yesterday I went to the market I saw many fruits and vegetables the colors were so bright and vibrant I bought some mangoes and bananas were very sweet and juicy I also bought some fresh herbs to make Thai curry I love to cook Thai food reminds me of home.

Fixing the Run-On Paragraph:

Option 1: Break into Simple Sentences

Yesterday, I went to the market. I saw many fruits and vegetables. The colors were so bright and vibrant. I bought some mangoes and bananas. They were very sweet and juicy. I also bought some fresh herbs to make Thai curry. I love to cook Thai food. It reminds me of home.

Option 2: Use Conjunctions and Punctuation

Yesterday, I went to the market, and I saw many fruits and vegetables. Their colors were so bright and vibrant! I bought some mangoes and bananas, which were very sweet and juicy. I also bought some fresh herbs to make Thai curry, because I love to cook Thai food. It reminds me of home.

Explanation:

• Option 1: This is the simplest fix, breaking the paragraph into individual sentences. It makes the writing clear but might sound a bit choppy.
• Option 2: This version uses conjunctions (and, which, because) to connect related ideas and adds commas for better flow.

Practice

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