Word Crimes

By Andrew Cuong
Run-on Sentences
 What are run-on sentences?
Run-on sentences are created when two or more complete sentences also known as independent
clauses are merged. Two independent clauses can be in the same sentence. These run-on
sentences lack proper coordinating conjunctions or punctuation. An independent clause is a
sentence that makes sense by itself. If joined improperly by another independent clause it is
considered a run-on sentence.

SENTENCE SENTENCE SENTENCE

 Why do people make run-on sentences?
Run-on sentences are created when people put two or more independent clauses in a sentence. In
order for them to do that they’ll need the proper conjunctions, and punctuations. People tend to
forget, or don’t use the right conjunctions, and punctuations. A common type of run-on sentence is a
comma splice. It occurs when you only use a comma to combine two independent clauses together.

Examples of Run-on Sentences:

Today is a good day the weather is I like to draw, I wish to

very nice, and warm. draw every day.
The two independent clauses failed This is a comma splice; there is only a comma that is
to join each other into one sentence. joining the two clauses. It is missing a coordinating
conjunction.
 How run-ons can be fixed.
Adding a period: A quick and easy way to get rid of a run-on sentence is to split the two independent
clauses into their own sentence.

Example: Today is a good day the weather is very nice, and warm.→Today is a
good day. The weather is very nice, and warm.
Comma and coordinating conjunction: To join two independent clauses in a run-on sentence you can
use a comma with a coordinating conjunction.

Example: I bought a candy bar I bought a bag of chips→I bought a

candy bar, and I bought a bag of chips.
Adding a semicolon: This method is similar to adding a comma, and coordinating conjunction.
Instead of joining the two independent clauses with a comma, and conjunction. You are just using a
semicolon.
The bear is sleeping in the cave it is a very big bear.→The bear
Example:
is sleeping in the cave; It is a very big bear.
 Bibliography
Calonia, Jennifer. “Run-on Sentences.” What Is a Run-on Sentence? Definition and Examples | Grammarly.com, Grammarly, 23 Dec. 2020,

www.grammarly.com/blog/run-on-sentence-basics/#:%7E:text=Run%2Don%20sentences%2C%20also%20known,necessarily%20a%20

run%2Don%20sentence.

GCFGlobal. “Grammar: Run-on Sentences.” GCFGlobal.Org, edu.gcfglobal.org/en/grammar/runon-sentences/1. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.

Grammarly. “Comma Splice.” Comma Splice—Learn How to Avoid It | Grammarly.com, Grammarly, 23 Dec. 2020,

www.grammarly.com/blog/comma-splice.

“Academic Guides: Grammar: Run-On Sentences and Sentence Fragments.” Academicguides.Waldenu.Edu, Walden University,

academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammar/runonsentences#:%7E:text=A%20run%2Don%20sentence%20occurs,if%20I%20h

ad%20the%20time. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.