H-7

A fused or run-on sentence consists of two independent clauses run together with no punctuation.

Because a fused sentence can be edited in many ways, first consider how the ideas in the two independent clauses are related, and then select the most appropriate strategy from among the following.

Make one of the clauses subordinate to the other by adding a subordinating conjunction and rewording as necessary.

By beginning a clause with a subordinating conjunction, you indicate that the clause is subordinate to — and dependent on — the main clause. Usually, the dependent clause explains or qualifies the independent clause. Choose the subordinating conjunction carefully so that it tells the reader how the dependent clause relates to the independent clause. For example, the writer might emphasize the causal relationship between two clauses by using the word because.

Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction to separate the independent clauses.

The coordinating conjunction tells the reader that the ideas in the two clauses are equally important.

H-8

Separate the independent clauses with a semicolon.

The semicolon tells the reader that the ideas in the two clauses are closely connected, but it implies the connection rather than stating it. Occasionally, a colon may be used to introduce a second independent clause. See P4-a.

Separate the independent clauses with a semicolon or a period, and add a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase such as for example or in other words.

Turn the independent clauses into separate sentences.

The period at the end of the first independent clause tells the reader that one complete sentence is ending and another is beginning.

Turn one independent clause into a phrase that modifies the other.

Eliminating the subject and verb in the second clause turns it into a modifying phrase, reducing the number of words and closely linking the ideas.