The Devilish Run-On Sentences Problem

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined together improperly—without correct punctuation or connecting words. The problem is not length, but incorrect joining.

Here are examples with amendments:

1. Fused Sentence (no punctuation at all)

Run-on: I love reading novels I don’t have time to finish them.

Amendments:

• Add a full stop: I love reading novels. I don’t have time to finish them.

• Use a semicolon: I love reading novels; I don’t have time to finish them.

• Add a conjunction: I love reading novels, but I don’t have time to finish them.

  
  

2. Comma Splice (comma used incorrectly)

Run-on: The rain was heavy, the match continued.

Amendments:

• Add a full stop: The rain was heavy. The match continued.

• Use a semicolon: The rain was heavy; the match continued.

• Add a conjunction: The rain was heavy, yet the match continued.

  
  

3. String of Independent Clauses without Proper Connectors

Run-on: She cooked dinner he washed the dishes then they watched a film.

Amendments:

• Break into separate sentences: She cooked dinner. He washed the dishes. Then they watched a film.

• Use conjunctions: She cooked dinner, and he washed the dishes, and then they watched a film.

• Use semicolons for variety: She cooked dinner; he washed the dishes; then they watched a film.

👉 The key is that each independent clause must be joined correctly—with a full stop, semicolon, or a suitable conjunction (and, but, yet, so, because, etc.).

Here is a short exercise with run-on sentences for A-QuEST doclings to practise identifying and correcting..

Here’s a short exercise set on run-on sentences. Each item has a run-on version followed by space for correction. After the set, I’ve included suggested answers so you doclings can self-check.

Exercise: Spot and Fix the Run-ons

1.

The sun set behind the hills it painted the sky orange.

Your correction: _________________________________

2.

She enjoys mathematics, she dislikes history.

Your correction: _________________________________

3.

The team practised all week they wanted to win the championship.

Your correction: _________________________________

4.

I called Jasmine she didn’t answer I left a message.

Your correction: _________________________________

5.

He bought the tickets, we forgot to bring them.

Your correction: _________________________________

Suggested Corrections

1. The sun set behind the hills, and it painted the sky orange.(or: The sun set behind the hills. It painted the sky orange.)

2. She enjoys mathematics, but she dislikes history.

3. The team practised all week; they wanted to win the championship.

4. I called Jasmine, but she didn’t answer, so I left a message.

5. He bought the tickets, but we forgot to bring them.

See you next week!

Thank you for the benefit of your time.  Regards,

Dennis A. Minott, A-QuEST

A-QuEST: http://www.cooolth.com/

/