Correcting Run-on or Fused Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when a writer

• runs two complete sentences together with no punctuation between them (creating a “fused sentence”)

• incorrectly uses a comma to join two complete sentences (creating a “comma splice”)

• crams too many complete statements into a single sentence (creating an overloaded sentence)

Grammatically, the problem is small. It may be nothing more than a punctuation error.

Practically, the problem of a run-on sentence is that it puts a strain on the reader. The sentence holds too much information without the structure that would make it understandable.

In most cases a run-on sentence occurs because the writer’s thoughts outrun the writer’s punctuation skills.

Consider the following run-on sentence:

Currently we are renting an apartment we hope to buy a house next year.

The complete statements are Currently we are renting an apartment and later we hope to buy a house.

Run-on sentences can be corrected in three easy ways:

1. Make separate sentences.

Currently we are renting an apartment. We hope to buy a house next year.

2. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction

A coordinating conjunction connects like structures including words (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and conjunctions), phrases, and clauses.