Run on sentences
Don’t get run over by…
A run-on sentence is one that has two (or more) complete sentences or independent clauses joined together without proper punctuation.
What is a run on?
My brother has big brown eyes he is able to talk my mother into about anything.
For example:
My brother has big brown eyes.
It is the first independent clause that can be a separate sentence.
He is able to talk my mother into about anything.
This is the second independent clause that can be a separate sentence
My brother has big brown eyes. He is able to talk my mother into about anything.
Separated:
There are many ways to fix run-on sentences.
#1 Break it into two separate sentences.
Example:
error: Stephanie has red hair it is beautiful.
fixed: Stephanie has red hair. It is beautiful.
Fixing Run-on Sentences
# 2 Use conjunctions (FANBOYS-for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) and a comma.
Example:
error: Marilyn has blond hair it is shiny and pretty.
fixed: Marilyn has blond hair, and it is shiny and pretty.
Fixing Run-on Sentences
#3 You can also use a semi colon
Example:
error: Tommy has light brown hair it is short and spiky.
fixed: Tommy has light brown hair; it is short and spiky.
Fixing Run-on Sentences
Let’s try some together!
Bella is our dog she loves to sleep on our laps.
Add a period
Bella is our dog. She loves to sleep on our laps.
The couch was orange and green Grandma needs a new one.
Add a comma and a conjunction
The couch was orange and green, so Grandma needs a new one.
The snow is coming down fast we may get a snow day.
Add a semi colon
The snow is coming down fast; we may get a snow day.
Becky made a snowman he wore my father’s hat.
Add a comma and a conjunction
Becky made a snowman, and he wore my father’s hat.
Mark went sledding he lost his glove.
Add a semi colon
Mark went sledding; he lost his glove.