Recognizing run-on sentences

Recognizing run-on sentences

Figure. Flowchart. Recgonizing run-on sentences. If you suspect you have a run-on sentence, first ask: Does the sentence contain two independent clauses (word groups that can be punctuated as sentences)? If no, there is no problem. If yes, ask: Are the clauses joined with a comma and a coordinating conjuction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet)? If yes, there is no problem. If no, ask: Are the clauses joined with a semicolon (or a colon or a dash)? If yes, there is no problem. If no, it is a run-on sentence and must be revised.