Run-on sentences: Overview

Run-on sentences are independent clauses that have not been joined correctly. When two independent clauses appear in one sentence, they must be joined in one of these ways:

When two independent clauses are not properly joined, the result is a run-on sentence.

Note:A run-on sentence is not necessarily a long or complicated sentence. A run-on is a specific kind of error in which the writer combines two independent clauses without appropriate punctuation.

There are two types of run-on sentences: fused sentences and comma splices.

Fused sentences

When a writer puts no mark of punctuation and no coordinating conjunction between independent clauses, the result is a fused sentence.

Heading: Fused. Incorrect example sentence: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone they are essential for the hearing-impaired.

Comma splices

A more common type of run-on sentence is the comma splice—two or more independent clauses joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. In some comma splices, the comma appears alone.

Heading: Comma splice. Incorrect example sentence: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential for the hearing-impaired.

In other comma splices, the comma is accompanied by a joining word that is not a coordinating conjunction. There are only seven coordinating conjunctions in English: and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet.

Heading: Comma splice. Incorrect example sentence: Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, however, they are essential for the hearing-impaired.

However is a transitional expression, not a coordinating conjunction. Common transitional expressions are therefore, then, nevertheless, in fact.

The flowchart can help you review your writing for run-on sentences.

Transitional expressions

Recognizing run-on sentences

Exercise: Run-on sentences 1

Exercise: Run-on sentences 2

Exercise: Run-on sentences 3

Exercise: Run-on sentences 4

Exercise: Run-on sentences 5

Exercise: Run-on sentences 6

independent clause A word group containing a subject and a verb that can or does stand alone as a sentence.

independent clause A word group containing a subject and a verb that can or does stand alone as a sentence.

independent clause A word group containing a subject and a verb that can or does stand alone as a sentence.

coordinating conjunction and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet; used to join elements of equal grammatical form.