In grammar, run-on sentences and comma splices are common mistakes that can make writing confusing. This article will help you understand what they are and how to fix them.
A run-on sentence happens when two complete sentences (called independent clauses) are joined together without the right punctuation or words like “and,” “but,” or “or” to connect them properly.
Take a look at this example:
“We bought nails we bought a hammer.”
In this sentence, there are two complete thoughts:
Since there’s no punctuation or connecting word, it’s a run-on sentence.
Here are some ways to fix a run-on sentence:
A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence where two complete sentences are joined by just a comma, which is not enough.
For example:
“I love Li’l Tony 2: Pony Up 2 the Streets, it’s my favorite movie in the Li’l Tony franchise.”
Here, both parts can stand alone as sentences:
But they are incorrectly joined by just a comma.
To fix a comma splice, you can:
In summary, run-on sentences and comma splices both involve joining complete sentences incorrectly. A run-on sentence has no punctuation or connecting word, while a comma splice uses a comma incorrectly. To fix these, you can use a semicolon or a comma with a conjunction. Understanding these concepts will help make your writing clearer and more effective!
Read a series of sentences and identify whether they are run-on sentences or comma splices. Then, correct each sentence using the appropriate method. This will help you practice identifying and fixing these common errors.
Work in pairs to create a long run-on sentence. Exchange your sentence with another pair and see who can correct the sentence the fastest using semicolons or conjunctions. This activity will make learning about sentence structure fun and competitive.
Become a detective and hunt for comma splices in a short story or article. Highlight the errors and rewrite the sentences correctly. This will enhance your editing skills and attention to detail.
Take an online quiz that tests your knowledge of run-on sentences and comma splices. Each question will present a sentence, and you’ll need to choose the correct way to fix it. This will reinforce your understanding through immediate feedback.
Write a short story or paragraph, intentionally including run-on sentences and comma splices. Swap with a classmate and correct each other’s work. This will help you apply what you’ve learned in a creative context.
Run-on – A run-on is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction. – Example sentence: The teacher explained that “I love reading I read every day” is a run-on sentence that needs correction.
Sentence – A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a predicate. – Example sentence: Every sentence should start with a capital letter and end with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
Comma – A comma is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list. – Example sentence: In English class, we learned to use a comma to separate items in a series, like apples, oranges, and bananas.
Splice – A splice, specifically a comma splice, occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma. – Example sentence: “It was raining, we stayed inside” is an example of a comma splice that needs a conjunction or semicolon.
Punctuation – Punctuation refers to the marks used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning. – Example sentence: Proper punctuation is essential for making your writing clear and easy to understand.
Clauses – Clauses are groups of words that contain a subject and a predicate; they can be independent or dependent. – Example sentence: In English, understanding the difference between independent and dependent clauses helps improve writing skills.
Conjunction – A conjunction is a word used to connect clauses or sentences, or to coordinate words in the same clause. – Example sentence: Common conjunctions like “and,” “but,” and “or” help to link ideas smoothly in writing.
Fix – To fix means to correct or make something right, especially in writing. – Example sentence: The teacher asked us to fix the errors in our essays before submitting them for a grade.
Writing – Writing is the activity or skill of composing text for various purposes. – Example sentence: Good writing involves organizing your thoughts clearly and using proper grammar and punctuation.
Grammar – Grammar is the set of rules that govern the structure of sentences in a language. – Example sentence: Understanding grammar helps students write more effectively and communicate their ideas clearly.
