The most common types of run-on sentences are fused sentences and comma splices. These are similar in the way that more than one independent clause (word groups that could stand alone individually) are incorrectly combined. The following examples will illustrate these errors and how to correct them.
Fused Sentences
Fused sentences happen when two independent sentences are joined together without any linking words or punctuation.
Example: My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging it is his favorite time to exercise.
First, identify where the two independent sentences occur:
My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging / it is his favorite time to exercise.
To correct this fused sentence, either separate the two sentences or add the needed linking words. Always be sure that you make any necessary adjustments to punctuation.
Solution 1: My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging. It is his favorite time to exercise.
Solution 2: My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging because it is his favorite time to
exercise.
Comma Splices
Comma splices are two or more independent sentences incorrectly separated with a comma.
Example 1: The film was not realistic, it relied on elements of fantasy.
Just like the previous example, identify where the sentences occur:
The film was not realistic, / it relied on elements of fantasy.
To correct this comma splice, either separate the two sentences or add the needed linking words. Always be sure that you make any necessary adjustments to punctuation.
Solution 1: The film was not realistic. It relied on elements of fantasy.
Solution 2: The film was not realistic, as demonstrated by the way it relied on elements of fantasy.
Copyright © by Lucas Pingel, usage permitted at St. Catherine University
Fused Sentences
Fused sentences happen when two independent sentences are joined together without any linking words or punctuation.
Example: My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging it is his favorite time to exercise.
First, identify where the two independent sentences occur:
My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging / it is his favorite time to exercise.
To correct this fused sentence, either separate the two sentences or add the needed linking words. Always be sure that you make any necessary adjustments to punctuation.
Solution 1: My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging. It is his favorite time to exercise.
Solution 2: My father wakes up early every morning to go jogging because it is his favorite time to
exercise.
Comma Splices
Comma splices are two or more independent sentences incorrectly separated with a comma.
Example 1: The film was not realistic, it relied on elements of fantasy.
Just like the previous example, identify where the sentences occur:
The film was not realistic, / it relied on elements of fantasy.
To correct this comma splice, either separate the two sentences or add the needed linking words. Always be sure that you make any necessary adjustments to punctuation.
Solution 1: The film was not realistic. It relied on elements of fantasy.
Solution 2: The film was not realistic, as demonstrated by the way it relied on elements of fantasy.
Copyright © by Lucas Pingel, usage permitted at St. Catherine University
