Run-ons
What is a Run-on?
A
run-on is two complete thoughts (independent clauses) that run together without
adequate punctuation to connect them.
The run-on is joined together with another sentence as if it were only
one thought. As a result of the run-on,
the reader is not sure of where one thought ends and the next one begins.
1. Make two separate sentences of the two complete thoughts.
(Use a period and a capital letter to separate the thoughts.)
Run-on: My car broke down I was unable to attend my classes.
Revision: My car broke down. I was unable to attend my classes.
2. Use a comma plus a coordinating conjunction to connect the two thoughts.
(Common
coordinating conjunctions are For,
And, Nor, But,
Or, Yet, and So. Just remember “FANBOYS.”)
Run-on: We went to class no one was there.
Revision: We went to class, but no one was there.
3. Use a semicolon to connect the thoughts.
Run-on: There was no place to park on campus I ended up parking at the bookstore.
Revision: There was no place to park on campus; I ended up parking at the bookstore.
4.
Use a
conjunctive adverb with the appropriate punctuation to connect the two
thoughts.
(Common conjunctive adverbs include however, moreover, thus, furthermore.)
Run-on: We arrived for the basketball game late however we were still able to get front row seats.
Revision: We arrived for the basketball game late; however, we were still able to get front row seats.
5. Use subordination. Make one of the thoughts (independent clauses) dependent. (Common subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while.)
Run-on: I left the house early on Monday I couldn’t be late for class again.
Revision: I left the house early on Monday because I couldn’t be late for class again.
Four Common Types
of Run-ons:
1.
Balanced
negative and positive clauses.
These run-ons occur when stating what something is not and then stating what it is.
Run-on: Amy is not a nurse she is a doctor.
Revision: Amy is not a nurse; she is a doctor.
2.
Illustration
in the second clause.
These run-ons happen when an example is given in the second clause.
Run-on: She did well in college her grade point average is 3.9.
Revision: She did well in college; her grade point average is 3.9.
3.
Using the
word then in the second clause.
Run-on: Mary worked in
Revision: Mary worked in
4.
Using a
conjunctive adverb for transition.
These run-ons most commonly begin with the conjunctive adverbs therefore, however, and moreover.
Run-on: She is very committed to her work therefore she devotes almost all her time to patient care.
Revision: She is very committed to her work. Therefore, she devotes almost all her time to patient care.
Remember:
Run-ons are two complete thoughts (independent clauses) that run together without adequate punctuation. To correct run-ons, separate, connect, or subordinate the two thoughts.