Fixing run-ons with a semicolon, colon, or dash

When two independent clauses are closely related and their relation is clear without a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon is an acceptable method of revision.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Tragedy depicts the individual confronted with the fact of death, comedy depicts the adaptability of human society. Revised sentence: Tragedy depicts the individual confronted with the fact of death; comedy depicts the adaptability of human society.

A semicolon is required beween independent clauses that have been linked with a transitional expression (such as however, therefore, moreover, in fact, or for example).

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Handheld PDAs are gaining in popularity, however, they are not nearly as popular as cell phones. Revised sentence: Handheld PDAs are gaining in popularity; however, they are not nearly as popular as cell phones.

If the first independent clause introduces the second or if the second clause summarizes or explains the first, a colon or a dash may be an appropriate method of revision. In formal writing, the colon is usually preferred to the dash.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Nuclear waste is hazardous this is an indisputable fact. Revised sentence: Nuclear waste is hazardous: This is an indisputable fact.

If the first independent clause introduces a quoted sentence, a colon is an appropriate method of revision.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Carolyn Heilbrun has this to say about the future, “Today's shocks are tomorrow's conventions.” Revised sentence: Carolyn Heilbrun has this to say about the future: “Today's shocks are tomorrow's conventions.”

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

Related topics:

Semicolons and transitional expressions

Colons introducing an independent clause

Dashes introducing a concluding element

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.