Chapter 1. Diagnostics_Mock_Unit One

Identify and Correct Run-Ons

OVERVIEW

In a run-on, two complete sentences have been joined together incorrectly and punctuated as though they were a single sentence. Here is an example of a run-on:

This kind of run-on is called a comma splice because it incorrectly uses a comma to join two complete sentences. If the two sentences had been put together without any punctuation at all, it would be another kind of run-on called a fused sentence. Writers sometimes create run-ons when they try to keep closely related ideas together within the same sentence. Two good ways to achieve the same goal are to join the related sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or with a semicolon (;).

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Watch the tutorial below and then complete the follow pre-quiz.

Identify and Correct Run-Ons Quiz

Question Choose the revision that corrects the following run-on sentence.

You are correct! The sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences. Using a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and) to separate the two ideas eliminates the run-on.

This sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences (Farmers markets sell fresh, local produce and They are popular in many cities). Therefore, the two ideas must be separated in one of three ways: with a period, a semicolon, or a comma and coordinating conjunction. The only one of those choices offered here is to add a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and). Using a comma by itself would create a comma splice.

Question Choose the revision that eliminates the comma splice in the following sentence:

You are correct! The sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences. Using a semicolon instead of a comma to separate the two ideas eliminates the comma splice.

This sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences (Political groups spend more than ever on advertising and Reform is needed to limit spending). A comma alone is not enough to separate these independent clauses. The two ideas must be separated in one of three ways: with a period, a semicolon, or a comma and coordinating conjunction. The only one of those choices offered here is to replace the comma with a semicolon.

Question Choose the revision that eliminates the comma splice in the following sentence:

You are correct! The sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences. Using a period instead of a comma to separate the two ideas eliminates the comma splice.

This sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences (My school requires all students to complete a science class and I chose the introductory course in environmental studies). A comma alone is not enough to separate these independent clauses. The two ideas must be separated in one of three ways: with a period, a semicolon, or a comma and coordinating conjunction. The only one of those choices offered here is to replace the comma with a period.

Question Choose the revision that corrects the following run-on sentence:

You are correct! The sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences. Using a comma before the coordinating conjunction "but" to separate the two ideas eliminates the run-on.

This sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences (Car insurance is expensive and The state requires every driver to have it). Therefore, the two ideas must be separated in one of three ways: with a period, a semicolon, or a comma before the coordinating conjunction (but). The only one of those choices offered here is to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

Question Choose the revision that corrects the following run-on sentence:

You are correct! The sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences. Using a comma along with a coordinating conjunction (and) to separate the two ideas eliminates the run-on.

This sentence contains two separate ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences (Everyone should know the signs of a stroke and It is important to get immediate help). Therefore, the two ideas must be separated in one of three ways: with a period, a semicolon, or a comma and coordinating conjunction. The only one of those choices offered here is to use a comma along with the coordinating conjunction and.