Writing: Sentence Construction & Variety (B1) - Lesson 3: Avoiding Run-on Sentences (basic strategies)
Tip: Click on many text parts to hear them read aloud! (Requires browser support for speech).
Hello B1 Learners! 👋
As your sentences get longer and more complex, it's important to make sure they are structured correctly. One common error is creating run-on sentences. These can make your writing confusing.
Today, we will learn what run-on sentences are and some basic strategies to fix them!
In this lesson, you will:
- Understand what makes a sentence a "run-on."
- Learn to identify two common types: fused sentences and comma splices.
- Practice different ways to correct run-on sentences.
What is a Run-on Sentence?
A run-on sentence happens when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts or sentences) are joined together incorrectly, without the right punctuation or connecting words.
Think of an independent clause as a sentence that can stand by itself:
The dog barked. (This is a complete thought.)
The mailman arrived. (This is also a complete thought.)
If we just put them together without correct joining, it becomes a run-on and is hard to read:
The dog barked the mailman arrived. (This is a run-on!)
Run-on sentences make your writing unclear and can confuse your reader.
Two Common Types of Run-on Sentences
1. Fused Sentence
A fused sentence joins two independent clauses with no punctuation or conjunction between them at all.
Examples of Fused Sentences (Incorrect):
- I like coffee she likes tea.
- The park was beautiful we stayed there all day.
2. Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with only a comma. A comma alone is not strong enough to connect two complete sentences this way.
Examples of Comma Splices (Incorrect):
- I like coffee, she likes tea.
- The park was beautiful, we stayed there all day.
How to Fix Run-on Sentences (Basic Strategies)
Here are four common ways to fix run-on sentences:
-
Use a Full Stop (.) to Make Separate Sentences.
This is often the simplest way. Break the run-on into two (or more) shorter, correct sentences.
Run-on: He loves to read books he goes to the library every week.
Correct: He loves to read books. He goes to the library every week.
-
Use a Comma , and a Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS).
You learned about FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) in the last lesson. Use a comma then one of these words to connect the two independent clauses.
Run-on: She studied hard, she felt confident for the exam. (This is a comma splice)
Correct: She studied hard, so she felt confident for the exam.
-
Use a Semicolon (;). (Use carefully at B1)
A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses. It's stronger than a comma.
Run-on: The concert was amazing everyone was dancing.
Correct: The concert was amazing; everyone was dancing.
While correct, for B1, using a full stop or comma + conjunction might be easier and more common.
-
Use a Subordinating Conjunction to Make One Clause Dependent.
Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction (like because, when, if, although, etc.).
Run-on: The team practiced every day they won the championship.
Correct: Because the team practiced every day, they won the championship.
Or: The team won the championship because they practiced every day.
Practice Identifying and Fixing Run-ons!
✨ Tips for Avoiding Run-on Sentences ✨
- Read Your Writing Aloud: Listen for places where you naturally pause or where one idea seems to end and another begins. This can help you spot potential run-ons.
- Check for Two Complete Thoughts: If you have two complete thoughts (independent clauses) in one sentence, make sure they are joined correctly.
- Know Your Joining Options: Remember the four ways to fix run-ons: full stop, comma + FANBOYS, semicolon, or subordinating conjunction.
- Don't Overuse Commas Alone: A comma by itself cannot usually join two full sentences.
- Keep Sentences Clear: The goal is to make your writing easy for the reader to understand.
Clear Sentences Ahead! 🎉
You've learned how to spot and fix run-on sentences. This will make your writing much stronger and clearer!