Run-On Sentences!
Summary
If you put two sentences (or independent clauses) together without a sufficient amount of signals (commas, semicolons, or connecting words), you have created a run-on.
How do you fix run-ons?
There are FOUR common ways to fix a run-on. Each method is explained below.
Method #1
Write the two independent clauses as separate sentences using periods.
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy. She felt Rome was too hot.
Method #2
Use a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses. If you would like to learn more about semicolons, click here.
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy; she felt Rome was too hot.
Method #3
Use a comma and any one of the following connecting words:
for* and nor but/or yet so***when for means because
**when so means as a result
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy, but she felt Rome was too hot.
Method #4
Use a semicolon and one of the following words:
therefore, thus, however, consequently, furthermore, also, nevertheless
***NOTE: If you use any of these connecting words with method #4, a comma must follow it.
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy;however, she felt Rome was too hot.
Summary
If you put two sentences (or independent clauses) together without a sufficient amount of signals (commas, semicolons, or connecting words), you have created a run-on.
How do you fix run-ons?
There are FOUR common ways to fix a run-on. Each method is explained below.
Method #1
Write the two independent clauses as separate sentences using periods.
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy. She felt Rome was too hot.
Method #2
Use a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses. If you would like to learn more about semicolons, click here.
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy; she felt Rome was too hot.
Method #3
Use a comma and any one of the following connecting words:
for* and nor but/or yet so***when for means because
**when so means as a result
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy, but she felt Rome was too hot.
Method #4
Use a semicolon and one of the following words:
therefore, thus, however, consequently, furthermore, also, nevertheless
***NOTE: If you use any of these connecting words with method #4, a comma must follow it.
INCORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
CORRECT: Carmen loved traveling in Italy;however, she felt Rome was too hot.