Run-ons and Run-ons and Comma SplicesComma Splices

What is a run-on?What is a run-on?

A A run-onrun-on is two complete sentences is two complete sentences (also called (also called independent clausesindependent clauses) ) joined without any punctuation. joined without any punctuation.

Example: Example:

Bernard loved his part-time job at the Bernard loved his part-time job at the local newspaper there was one local newspaper there was one problem. problem.

What is a comma splice?What is a comma splice?

A A comma splicecomma splice is two complete is two complete sentences (or sentences (or independent clausesindependent clauses) ) joined by only a comma.joined by only a comma.

Example:Example:

Nearly all the people who worked there Nearly all the people who worked there had the same habit, it was a habit that had the same habit, it was a habit that had always annoyed Bernard. had always annoyed Bernard.

How can you identify run-How can you identify run-ons and comma splices?ons and comma splices?

Find each of the Find each of the independent clausesindependent clauses in a sentence.in a sentence.

Check to see how they are joined. Is Check to see how they are joined. Is there any there any punctuationpunctuation between them? between them? If not, you may be looking at a If not, you may be looking at a run-onrun-on. .

If there is a If there is a commacomma between between independent clausesindependent clauses, look for a , look for a coordinating conjunctioncoordinating conjunction (like (like and, and, but, for, so, or, yetbut, for, so, or, yet). If there is none, ). If there is none, you may be looking at a you may be looking at a comma splicecomma splice. .

How can you correct run-How can you correct run-ons and comma splices?ons and comma splices?

There are four ways to correct a run-There are four ways to correct a run-on or a comma splice:on or a comma splice:

- Add a period. Add a period. - Add a semicolon.Add a semicolon.- Add a comma and a coordinating Add a comma and a coordinating

conjunction.conjunction.- Add a dependent word.Add a dependent word.

Add a period.Add a period.

You can split run-ons and comma You can split run-ons and comma splices into two separate sentences splices into two separate sentences by adding a by adding a periodperiod between them. between them.

After adding the period, capitalize the After adding the period, capitalize the letter that begins the new sentence. letter that begins the new sentence.

Reread your new sentences to make Reread your new sentences to make sure they each contain a subject, a sure they each contain a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.verb, and a complete thought.

ExampleExample

Run-on: Each person had a chair next Run-on: Each person had a chair next to his or her desk for visitors their to his or her desk for visitors their visitors were not able to sit in many visitors were not able to sit in many of those chairs. of those chairs.

Corrected: Each person had a chair Corrected: Each person had a chair next to his or her desk for visitors. next to his or her desk for visitors. Their visitors were not able to sit in Their visitors were not able to sit in many of those chairs. many of those chairs.

How would you add a period How would you add a period to correct this sentence?to correct this sentence?

The reason was very simple, most people stacked The reason was very simple, most people stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs. books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs.

A) The reason was very simple, most people. A) The reason was very simple, most people. Stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their Stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs. chairs.

B) The reason was very simple, most people stacked B) The reason was very simple, most people stacked books, papers, and other stuff. On their chairs. books, papers, and other stuff. On their chairs.

C) The reason was very simple. Most people stacked C) The reason was very simple. Most people stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs. books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

How would you add a period How would you add a period to correct this sentence?to correct this sentence?

The reason was very simple, most people stacked The reason was very simple, most people stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs. books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs.

ANSWER:ANSWER:A) The reason was very simple, most people. A) The reason was very simple, most people.

Stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their Stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs. chairs.

B) The reason was very simple, most people stacked B) The reason was very simple, most people stacked books, papers, and other stuff. On their chairs. books, papers, and other stuff. On their chairs.

C) The reason was very simple. Most people C) The reason was very simple. Most people stacked books, papers, and other stuff on stacked books, papers, and other stuff on their chairs. their chairs.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Add a semicolon.Add a semicolon.

A second way to correct run-ons and comma A second way to correct run-ons and comma splices is to use a splices is to use a semicolonsemicolon [;][;] to join the two to join the two sentences. sentences.

Use a semicolon only when the two sentences Use a semicolon only when the two sentences express closely related ideas. express closely related ideas.

A semicolon can be used only where a period could A semicolon can be used only where a period could also be used; the words on each side of the also be used; the words on each side of the semicolon must be able to stand alone as a semicolon must be able to stand alone as a complete sentence. complete sentence.

Do not capitalize the word that follows a semicolon Do not capitalize the word that follows a semicolon unless it is the name of a specific person, place, unless it is the name of a specific person, place, or thing that is usually capitalized.or thing that is usually capitalized.

ExampleExample

Run-on: Bernard wanted to break this Run-on: Bernard wanted to break this habit after all, why couldn’t a chair habit after all, why couldn’t a chair be used as a chair?be used as a chair?

Corrected: Bernard wanted to break Corrected: Bernard wanted to break this habit; after all, why couldn’t a this habit; after all, why couldn’t a chair be used as a chair?chair be used as a chair?

How would you add a How would you add a semicolon to correct this semicolon to correct this

sentence?sentence?To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed they To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed they

said they would clear everything off their chairs. said they would clear everything off their chairs.

A) To his astonishment; everyone he asked agreed A) To his astonishment; everyone he asked agreed they said they would clear everything off their they said they would clear everything off their chairs. chairs.

B) To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed; B) To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed; they said they would clear everything off their they said they would clear everything off their chairs. chairs.

C) To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed C) To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed they said; they would clear everything off their they said; they would clear everything off their chairs. chairs.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

How would you add a How would you add a semicolon to correct this semicolon to correct this

sentence?sentence?To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed

they said they would clear everything off their they said they would clear everything off their chairs. chairs.

ANSWER:ANSWER:A) To his astonishment; everyone he asked agreed A) To his astonishment; everyone he asked agreed

they said they would clear everything off their they said they would clear everything off their chairs. chairs.

B) To his astonishment, everyone he asked B) To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed; they said they would clear agreed; they said they would clear everything off their chairs. everything off their chairs.

C) To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed C) To his astonishment, everyone he asked agreed they said; they would clear everything off their they said; they would clear everything off their chairs. chairs.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Add a comma and a Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction.coordinating conjunction.

A third way to correct run-ons is to add a A third way to correct run-ons is to add a commacomma and a and a coordinating conjunctioncoordinating conjunction: : and, but, or, nor, so, for, and, but, or, nor, so, for, or or yetyet. Think of a . Think of a coordinating conjunction as a link that joins coordinating conjunction as a link that joins independent clauses to form one sentence.independent clauses to form one sentence.

A comma splice already has a comma, so you A comma splice already has a comma, so you need to add only a conjunction.need to add only a conjunction.

Before choosing a conjunction, read the Before choosing a conjunction, read the independent clauses aloud to see which word independent clauses aloud to see which word best expresses the relationship between best expresses the relationship between them.them.

ExampleExample

Comma splice: Eventually, he got to Comma splice: Eventually, he got to everyone in the office, one by one, everyone in the office, one by one, the chairs were cleared of clutter.the chairs were cleared of clutter.

Corrected: Eventually, he got to Corrected: Eventually, he got to everyone in the office, and one by everyone in the office, and one by one, the chairs were cleared of one, the chairs were cleared of clutter.clutter.

How would you add a How would you add a comma and a coordinating comma and a coordinating conjunction to correct this conjunction to correct this

sentence?sentence?Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it wasn’t Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to long before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again. develop a fresh pile of books all over again.

A) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived, and it A) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived, and it wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again. develop a fresh pile of books all over again.

B) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it B) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it wasn’t long, and before each of those chairs wasn’t long, and before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again.again.

C) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived, or it C) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived, or it wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again.develop a fresh pile of books all over again.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

How would you add a How would you add a comma and a coordinating comma and a coordinating conjunction to correct this conjunction to correct this

sentence?sentence?Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it wasn’t Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it wasn’t

long before each of those chairs began to develop long before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again.a fresh pile of books all over again.

ANSWER:ANSWER: A) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived, A) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived,

and it wasn’t long before each of those and it wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again. all over again.

B) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it B) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived it wasn’t long, and before each of those chairs wasn’t long, and before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again.again.

C) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived, or it C) Bernard’s accomplishment was short-lived, or it wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to wasn’t long before each of those chairs began to develop a fresh pile of books all over again.develop a fresh pile of books all over again.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Add a dependent word.Add a dependent word.

A fourth way to correct run-ons and A fourth way to correct run-ons and comma splices is to make one of the comma splices is to make one of the complete sentences a dependent clause complete sentences a dependent clause by adding a by adding a dependent worddependent word, such as , such as after, because, before, if, though, even after, because, before, if, though, even though, unless, though, unless, or or whenwhen. .

Choose the dependent word (or Choose the dependent word (or subordinating conjunctionsubordinating conjunction) that best ) that best expresses the relationship between the expresses the relationship between the two clauses.two clauses.

ExampleExample

Run-on: Sophia thought they got the Run-on: Sophia thought they got the watchdog their house was robbed watchdog their house was robbed recently.recently.

Corrected: Sophia thought they got Corrected: Sophia thought they got the watchdog because their house the watchdog because their house was robbed recently. was robbed recently.

How would you add a How would you add a dependent word to correct dependent word to correct

this sentence?this sentence?Having a dog in the neighborhood probably Having a dog in the neighborhood probably

made it safer for everyone that nonstop made it safer for everyone that nonstop barking was intolerable. barking was intolerable.

A) Having a dog in the neighborhood A) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably made it safer for everyone, that probably made it safer for everyone, that nonstop barking was intolerable. nonstop barking was intolerable.

B) Having a dog in the neighborhood B) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably made it safer for everyone, even probably made it safer for everyone, even though that nonstop barking was though that nonstop barking was intolerable. intolerable.

C) Having a dog in the neighborhood C) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably made it safer for everyone, and probably made it safer for everyone, and that nonstop barking was intolerable.that nonstop barking was intolerable.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

How would you add a How would you add a dependent word to correct dependent word to correct

this sentence?this sentence?Having a dog in the neighborhood probably Having a dog in the neighborhood probably made it safer for everyone that nonstop made it safer for everyone that nonstop barking was intolerable. barking was intolerable.

ANSWER:ANSWER:A) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably A) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably

made it safer for everyone, that nonstop made it safer for everyone, that nonstop barking was intolerable. barking was intolerable.

B) Having a dog in the neighborhood B) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably made it safer for everyone, probably made it safer for everyone, even though that nonstop barking was even though that nonstop barking was intolerable. intolerable.

C) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably C) Having a dog in the neighborhood probably made it safer for everyone, and that nonstop made it safer for everyone, and that nonstop barking was intolerable.barking was intolerable.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

Anthony was careful with money, his friends Anthony was careful with money, his friends weren’t always so financially savvy. weren’t always so financially savvy.

A) Anthony was careful with money, and his A) Anthony was careful with money, and his friends weren’t always so financially savvy. friends weren’t always so financially savvy.

B) Though Anthony was careful with money, B) Though Anthony was careful with money, his friends weren’t always so financially his friends weren’t always so financially savvy. savvy.

C) Anthony was careful with money, so his C) Anthony was careful with money, so his friends weren’t always so financially savvy. friends weren’t always so financially savvy.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

Anthony was careful with money, his friends Anthony was careful with money, his friends weren’t always so financially savvy. weren’t always so financially savvy.

ANSWER:ANSWER:A) Anthony was careful with money, and his A) Anthony was careful with money, and his

friends weren’t always so financially savvy. friends weren’t always so financially savvy. B) Though Anthony was careful with B) Though Anthony was careful with

money, his friends weren’t always so money, his friends weren’t always so financially savvy. financially savvy.

C) Anthony was careful with money, so his C) Anthony was careful with money, so his friends weren’t always so financially savvy. friends weren’t always so financially savvy.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan, Anthony assumed this didn’t for a loan, Anthony assumed this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. embarrass Jeffrey.

A) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking A) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan, Anthony assumed, someone for a loan, Anthony assumed, this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey.

B) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking B) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan, and Anthony assumed someone for a loan, and Anthony assumed this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey.

C) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking C) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan Anthony assumed this someone for a loan Anthony assumed this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. didn’t embarrass Jeffrey.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan, Anthony assumed this didn’t a loan, Anthony assumed this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. embarrass Jeffrey.

ANSWER:ANSWER:

A) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone A) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan, Anthony assumed, this didn’t for a loan, Anthony assumed, this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. embarrass Jeffrey.

B) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking B) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan, and Anthony someone for a loan, and Anthony assumed this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. assumed this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey.

C) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone C) Jeffrey always seemed to be asking someone for a loan Anthony assumed this didn’t for a loan Anthony assumed this didn’t embarrass Jeffrey. embarrass Jeffrey.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he borrowed from Anthony, he repaid it even borrowed from Anthony, he repaid it even after his work promotion fell through. after his work promotion fell through.

A) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he A) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he borrowed from Anthony he repaid it; even borrowed from Anthony he repaid it; even after his work promotion fell through. after his work promotion fell through.

B) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he B) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he borrowed from Anthony he repaid it even borrowed from Anthony he repaid it even after his work promotion fell through. after his work promotion fell through.

C) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he C) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he borrowed from Anthony; he repaid it even borrowed from Anthony; he repaid it even after his work promotion fell through. after his work promotion fell through.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he borrowed from Anthony, he repaid it even after borrowed from Anthony, he repaid it even after his work promotion fell through.his work promotion fell through.

ANSWER:ANSWER: A) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he A) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he

borrowed from Anthony he repaid it; even after borrowed from Anthony he repaid it; even after his work promotion fell through. his work promotion fell through.

B) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he B) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he borrowed from Anthony he repaid it even after borrowed from Anthony he repaid it even after his work promotion fell through. his work promotion fell through.

C) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money C) However, Jeffrey always repaid the money he borrowed from Anthony; he repaid it he borrowed from Anthony; he repaid it even after his work promotion fell through. even after his work promotion fell through.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes. cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes.

A) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole A) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole paycheck, or he liked to buy things like paycheck, or he liked to buy things like expensive cameras, fine clothes, and designer expensive cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes. shoes.

B) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole B) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive cameras. Fine clothes, and designer shoes. cameras. Fine clothes, and designer shoes.

C) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole C) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole paycheck. He liked to buy things like expensive paycheck. He liked to buy things like expensive cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes. cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes. cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes.

ANSWER:ANSWER:A) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole A) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole

paycheck, or he liked to buy things like expensive paycheck, or he liked to buy things like expensive cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes. cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes.

B) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole B) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive paycheck, he liked to buy things like expensive cameras. Fine clothes, and designer shoes. cameras. Fine clothes, and designer shoes.

C) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his C) Nearly every week, Lenny spent nearly his whole paycheck. He liked to buy things like whole paycheck. He liked to buy things like expensive cameras, fine clothes, and expensive cameras, fine clothes, and designer shoes. designer shoes.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had learned for saving money, one of them was learned for saving money, one of them was throwing all of his small change into a jar. throwing all of his small change into a jar.

A) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he A) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had learned for saving money though one of had learned for saving money though one of them was throwing all of his small change them was throwing all of his small change into a jar. into a jar.

B) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he B) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had learned for saving money one of them had learned for saving money one of them was throwing all of his small change into a was throwing all of his small change into a jar. jar.

C) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he C) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had learned for saving money; one of them had learned for saving money; one of them was throwing all of his small change into a was throwing all of his small change into a jar. jar.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above

Use one of the four ways to Use one of the four ways to correct this comma splice:correct this comma splice:

As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had learned for saving money, one of them was learned for saving money, one of them was throwing all of his small change into a jar.throwing all of his small change into a jar.

ANSWER:ANSWER: A) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had A) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had

learned for saving money though one of them learned for saving money though one of them was throwing all of his small change into a jar. was throwing all of his small change into a jar.

B) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had B) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had learned for saving money one of them was learned for saving money one of them was throwing all of his small change into a jar. throwing all of his small change into a jar.

C) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he C) As for himself, Anthony had a few tricks he had learned for saving money; one of them had learned for saving money; one of them was throwing all of his small change into a was throwing all of his small change into a jar. jar.

D) none of the aboveD) none of the above