Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence happens when two or more sentences are stuck together without the right punctuation or connecting words. Run-on sentences can confuse readers because it is hard to tell where one idea ends and the next begins. Learning to fix run-ons makes your writing much clearer.

Spotting Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence has two complete thoughts joined incorrectly. For example, I like pizza it is my favorite food is a run-on. The two ideas should be separated. Read your writing out loud. If you run out of breath or lose track of the idea, you might have a run-on.

How to Fix Them

There are several ways to fix a run-on sentence. You can split it into two sentences with a period. You can add a comma and a conjunction like and or but. You can also use a semicolon. The best fix depends on how closely the two ideas are connected.

Fun Facts

• Run-on sentences are one of the most common writing mistakes students make.
• A comma splice is a type of run-on where two sentences are joined with just a comma.
• Some famous authors wrote very long sentences on purpose, but they used proper grammar to connect the ideas.

Did You Know?

Reading your writing out loud is one of the best ways to catch run-on sentences because you can hear where you naturally need to pause.