A run-on sentence is when two or more complete thoughts are combined into a single sentence without the correct punctuation or connecting words to keep them separate. It's like two cars trying to drive in the same lane at the same time without any traffic signals!
What is a Run-On Sentence?
Imagine you have two sentences that each express a complete idea on their own. Each of these is a "complete thought" or a sentence that could stand alone. A run-on sentence happens when you accidentally push these two complete thoughts together without using the right "stop signs" (like periods or semicolons) or "connecting bridges" (like words such as and, but, or because).
Here's an example:
- Incorrect Run-On: Raffi sings upbeat children's songs he is an excellent musician.
In this example, "Raffi sings upbeat children's songs" is a complete thought, and "he is an excellent musician" is another complete thought. They are smooshed together without anything in between to separate them properly.
Why Are Run-On Sentences a Problem?
- Confusing to Read: They make your writing hard to understand because the reader doesn't know where one idea ends and another begins.
- Hard to Follow: Your sentences can become too long and jumbled, making your message unclear.
- Looks Messy: They can make your writing seem less organized and careful.
Types of Run-On Sentences
There are two main ways sentences can run together:
Fused Sentences
This happens when two complete thoughts are joined with no punctuation at all. They are just "fused" together.
- Example: The dog barked loudly the cat ran away.
- Complete Thought 1: The dog barked loudly.
- Complete Thought 2: The cat ran away.
Comma Splices
This occurs when two complete thoughts are joined only by a comma. While a comma is a type of punctuation, it's not strong enough to connect two complete thoughts by itself! It needs help from a conjunction or a stronger punctuation mark.
- Example: The sun was shining brightly, we decided to go to the park.
- Complete Thought 1: The sun was shining brightly.
- Complete Thought 2: We decided to go to the park.
How to Fix Run-On Sentences (Traffic Rules for Sentences!)
Luckily, there are several simple ways to fix run-on sentences. Think of these as different ways to manage traffic between your complete thoughts.
Here's how to fix the example: "Raffi sings upbeat children's songs he is an excellent musician."
| Method | Explanation | Example Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Use a Period (.) | Make two separate sentences. This is the simplest fix! | Raffi sings upbeat children's songs. He is an excellent musician. |
| 2. Use a Comma (,) + Conjunction | Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor – remember FANBOYS!). | Raffi sings upbeat children's songs, and he is an excellent musician. |
| 3. Use a Semicolon (;) | If the two complete thoughts are very closely related, a semicolon can join them. | Raffi sings upbeat children's songs; he is an excellent musician. |
| 4. Rewrite the Sentence | Sometimes, you can rephrase the sentence or use a subordinating conjunction (like because, although, while, since) to combine the ideas differently. | Because Raffi sings upbeat children's songs, he is an excellent musician. |
| Raffi, who sings upbeat children's songs, is an excellent musician. |
Let's Practice!
Try to fix these run-on sentences using one of the methods above:
- My dog loves to play fetch he never gets tired.
- We went to the beach yesterday, the water was very cold.
- The birds sang beautifully the sun rose over the mountains.
Tips for Young Writers
- Read Aloud: When you read your writing aloud, you often hear where your sentences should naturally pause or stop.
- Look for Complete Thoughts: After you write a sentence, ask yourself, "Does this sentence have a subject and an action, and does it express a full idea?" If you find two of these ideas without a proper connector, you probably have a run-on.
- Use Your "Traffic Signals": Remember your periods, commas, and connecting words!
Resources for More Learning
- Punctuation Guide for Kids
- Khan Academy Kids (check their grammar sections for interactive lessons)
- Scholastic Learn at Home
Understanding and fixing run-on sentences will make your writing much clearer and more enjoyable for others to read!
