Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence is made up of two or more complete sentences that are joined together incorrectly.

• Sometimes, the sentences may have an incorrect comma between them. This is called a comma splice.

Incorrect: The class reported smelling smoke, Mrs. Ramjohn escorted them to the muster point.

• Sometimes, the two sentences may have nothing between them.

Incorrect: The class reported smelling smoke Mrs. Ramjohn escorted them to the muster point.

How Can We Correct a Run-on Sentence?

• Sometimes, the sentences are missing a full stop between them.

Correct: The class reported smelling smoke. Mrs. Ramjohn escorted them to the muster point.

• We can also add a connecting word between the sentences.

Correct: The class reported smelling smoke, so Mrs. Ramjohn escorted them to the muster point.

Below are some connecting words to help you fix run-on sentences.

and                     for                       so                        until

but                      yet                       though               whether

because             while                  if                          since