Writing WorkshopRun-On Sentences

Independent vs. Dependent Independent- a group of words with a

subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought

Dependent- a group of words with a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Run-Ons Two sentences that are joined incorrectly

and written as one sentence Two types of run-ons

Fused sentences- two complete sentences joined without any punctuation Example: Anger is a dangerous emotion it has many

bad effects Comma splices- two complete sentences joined

by only a comma instead of a comma and one of the following words: and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet Example: Anger is a dangerous emotion, it has many

bad effects.

4 Ways to Correct A Run-OnAdd a periodAdd a semicolonAdd a comma and a coordinating

conjunction FANBOYS- for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Add a dependent word Since, because, as before, after,

although, every time, until, when, etc

Adding A Semi-Colon to Correct Run-Ons Join the two independent clauses into

one sentence by adding a semicolon Only use a semicolon when the two

independent clauses express closely related ideas that make sense in a single combine sentence.

Add A Comma & Coordinating ConjunctionFANBOYS- for, and, nor, but, or, yet,

soNote: the comma goes before, not

after, the coordinating conjunctions. Note: coordinating conjunctions need

to connect two independent clauses. They are not used to join a dependent to an independent clause.

Add A Dependent Word Dependent words are either a

subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.

Use when the clause the dependent word begins is less important than or explains the other clause.

Subordinating Conjunctions

After Although As As if As long as As much as As soon as As though Because Before Even if Even though If In as much In order that

Lest Now that Provided that Since So that Than that Though Unless Until When Whenever Where Wherever While

Relative Pronouns Who Whoever Whom Whomever Whose That Which

Please note that the following can function as a relative pronoun in certain situations What When Where

A Word That Can Cause Run-Ons: Then Then is often used to join two

sentences, but you must make sure that you use the proper punctuation and/or joining word.

Sample Run-On #1 My strongest character trait would

probably be my people skills, I can talk to almost anyone and have a conversation going really quickly, while my weakest is talking to girs I would like to get to know better or if I am trying to get them to like me.

Corrected Sample Run-On #1 with a period My strongest character trait would

probably be my people skills. I can talk to almost anyone and have a conversation going really quickly while my weakest is talking to girls that I would like to get to know better or if I am trying to get them to like me.

Corrected Sample Run-On #1 with a semi-colon My strongest character trait would

probably be my people skills; I can talk to almost anyone and have a conversation going really quickly while my weakest is talking to girls that I would like to get to know better or if I am trying to get them to like me.

Corrected Sample Run-On #1 with a comma & coordinating conjunction

My strongest character trait would

probably be my people skills, and I can talk to almost anyone and have a conversation going really quickly while my weakest is talking to girls that I would like to get to know better or if I am trying to get them to like me.

Corrected Sample Run-On #1 with a dependent word My strongest character trait would

probably be my people skills since I can talk to almost anyone and have a conversation going really quickly while my weakest is talking to girls that I would like to get to know better or if I am trying to get them to like me.

Sample Run-On #2

I think that my character is different from everybody else because she is a very nice person and she doesn’t really like to argue much but she has always gotten her way very much she doesn’t really think that materialistic people are good and I think that others like her very much because people look up to her as being rich spoiled girl and always getting her way.

Editing your own essay Find and correct run-ons in your own

essay

Highlight in purple or blue all coordinating conjunctions aka fanboys

For And Nor But Or Yet So

Only put a comma before fanboys if

1) it separates two independent clauses

2) if it is being used as the oxford comma (the comma before the and in a list/series)

Highlight in pink or orange all subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns

See next two slides to see those lists again.

Subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns create dependent clauses.

If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma after the dependent clause

Do not use a comma if the independent clause comes before the dependent clause.

See what I just did there

Subordinating Conjunctions

After Although As As if As long as As much as As soon as As though Because Before Even if Even though If In as much In order that

Lest Now that Provided that Since So that Than that Though Unless Until When Whenever Where Wherever While

Relative Pronouns Who Whoever Whom Whomever Whose That Which

Please note that the following can function as a relative pronoun in certain situations What When Where