Fixing Run-Ons & Comma Splices

It’s inevitable. In using a variety of sentence types in your writing, you will have errors. One of the most common errors students have are run-on sentences.

The Basics

Just as short, incomplete sentences can be problematic, lengthy sentences can be problematic too.

As writers we want to ensure our sentences are always form a complete idea to avoid confusion for our reader. A “complete sentence” is also known as an independent clause which we learned about in the previous chapter. Here’s an example:

I have to complete my project by tomorrow. It is worth 30% of my grade.

Both sentences are independent clauses. They both express a complete idea.

However, many people make mistakes when they incorrectly combine two or more independent clauses. This is what is known as a run-on sentence.

A run-on sentence can take two main forms. Before we tell you what those are, see if you articulate it on your own. Read the examples below and see if you can identify what is wrong with each.

Example 1: I have to complete my project by tomorrow it is worth 30% of my grade.

Example 2: I have to complete my project by tomorrow, it is worth 30% of my grade.

Example 1 is known as a fused sentence. This means that two independent clauses are combined without any punctuation.

Example 2 is known as comma splice. This means that two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma.

Look at two more examples below. Can you tell which one is a fused sentence and which is a comma splice?

Example 1: We looked outside, the kids were hopping on the trampoline.

Example 2: A family of foxes lived under our shed young foxes play all over the yard.

Example 1 is a comma splice. Example 2 is a fused sentence. Let’s do some more practice identifying the two.

Check Your Understanding: Fused Sentence or Comma Splice?

Read the run-on sentences below. Decide if they are an example of a fused sentence or a comma splice.

Fused Sentence or Comma Splice? (Text Version)
  1. I think we will finish the report in time we will get a good grade on it.
    1. Fused Sentence
    2. Comma Sentence
  2. The results of the study are inclusive we have decided that we cannot move forward with the project.
    1. Comma Splice
    2. Fused Sentence
  3. It is our recommendation that your company follow this design, it will save you money in the long run.
    1. Comma Splice
    2. Fused Sentence
  4. The research shows a need for this service, we can start rolling it out at anytime.
    1. Comma Splice
    2. Fused Sentence
  5. My supervisor really liked my report, he wants me to present it to the board next week.
    1. Fused Sentence
    2. Comma Splice
  6. I enjoy writing reports they give me a chance to process my ideas.
    1. Comma Splice
    2. Fused Sentence

Check your answer [1]

Activity source: “Fused Sentence or Comma Splice?” from “Chapter 11: Run-on Sentences” In Effective Professional Communication: A Rhetorical Approach by Rebekah Bennetch, Corey Owen and Zachary Keesey, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Fixes for Run-on Sentences

While run-on sentences are extremely common, they are also easily fixed by using punctuation, coordinating conjunctions, or subordinate conjunctions.

Punctuation

A period and a semicolon are the most common punctuation marks used to fix run-on sentences.

A period will correct the error by creating two separate sentences.

Run-on: There were no seats left, we had to stand in the back.

Complete Sentence: There were no seats left. We had to stand in the back.

Using a semicolon between the two complete sentences will also correct the error. A semicolon allows you to keep two closely related ideas together in one sentence. When you punctuate with a semicolon, make sure that both parts of the sentence are independent clauses.

Many people mistakenly assume a semicolon can be used like a comma, and that is not correct.

Run-on: The accident closed both lanes of traffic we waited an hour for the wreckage to be cleared.

Complete Sentence: The accident closed both lanes of traffic; we waited an hour for the wreckage to be cleared.

Make sure that both ideas are closely related before you use a semicolon. If they are not related, you cannot use a semicolon.

For example, a semicolon can’t be used in the following sentence because both ideas are not related:

Incorrect semicolon use: The accident closed both lanes of traffic; we ate fast food for dinner.

Now, you might be saying, “What if they ate fast food because of the accident? Wouldn’t the two sentences be related then?”

In such a case, you may be right. But it falls on the writer to make that distinction clear to the reader. It’s your job to make sure the connection between your ideas is clear! This can be done with transition words.

When you use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses, you may wish to add a transition word [New Tab] to show the connection between the two thoughts.

After the semicolon, add the transition word and follow it with a comma:

Run-on: The project was put on hold we didn’t have time to slow down, so we kept working.

Complete Sentence: The project was put on hold; however, we didn’t have time to slow down, so we kept working.

We can also apply this to our incorrect example above:

Incorrect Semicolon Use: The accident closed both lanes of traffic; we ate fast food for dinner.

Correct Semicolon Use: The accident closed both lanes of traffic; therefore, we ate fast food for dinner.

Coordinating Conjunctions

You can also fix run-on sentences by adding a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Remember, a coordinating conjunction acts as a link between two clauses.

These are the seven coordinating conjunctions that you can use: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.

Use these words appropriately when you want to link the two independent clauses.

Run-on: The new printer was installed, no one knew how to use it.

Complete Sentence: The new printer was installed, but no one knew how to use it.

Subordinate Conjunctions

Adding subordinate conjunctions is another way to link independent clauses. Like the coordinating conjunctions, subordinate conjunctions show a relationship between two independent clauses. There are many different subordinate conjunctions. Check out “What Is a Subordinating Conjunction? [New Tab]” from Grammarly.com to see a list.

Run-on: We took the elevator, the others still got there before us.

Complete Sentence: Although we took the elevator, the others got there before us.

In the example above, the run-on is a comma splice, which results from joining two complete ideas with a comma. In the correct example, the subordinating conjunction although appears at the start to show the relationship between the sentences. Now, it’s okay to combine both sentences with a comma.

Here’s another example:

Run-on: Cobwebs covered the furniture the room hadn’t been used in years.

Complete sentence: Cobwebs covered the furniture because the room hadn’t been used in years.

In this example, the run-on is a fused sentence. We fixed this issue by inserting the subordinate conjunction because in-between both sentences.

Check Your Understanding: Fixing Run-on Sentences

A reader can get lost or lose interest in material that is too dense and rambling. This can easily happen when there are too many run-on sentences in a paragraph. Use what you have learned to correct the following passages. When you think you have a solution, compare it to the possible answer. Changes are bolded and colored purple.

If your answers are a little different, that’s okay, as long as you followed the strategies discussed. If you’re not sure, please ask your instructor.

The report is due on Wednesday, but we’re flying back from Miami that morning. I told the project manager that we would be able to get the report to her later that day she suggested that we come back a day early to get the report done and I told her we had meetings until our flight took off. We e-mailed our contact who said that they would check with his boss, she said that the project could afford a delay as long as they wouldn’t have to make any edits or changes to the file our new deadline is next Friday.

Run-On Sentence Review 1 – Possible Solution[2]

Anna tried getting a reservation at the restaurant, but when she called they said that there was a waiting list so she put our names down on the list when the day of our reservation arrived we only had to wait thirty minutes because a table opened up unexpectedly which was good because we were able to catch a movie after dinner in the time we’d expected to wait to be seated.

Run-On Sentence Review 2 – Possible Solution: [3]

Without a doubt, my favorite artist is Leonardo da Vinci, not because of his paintings but because of his fascinating designs, models, and sketches, including plans for scuba gear, a flying machine, and a life-size mechanical lion that actually walked and moved its head. His paintings are beautiful too, especially when you see the computer enhanced versions researchers use a variety of methods to discover and enhance the paintings’ original colors, the result of which are stunningly vibrant and yet delicate displays of the man’s genius.

Run-On Sentence Review 3 – Possible Solution [4]

Activity source: “Run-On Sentence Review” from “Chapter 11: Run-on Sentences” In Effective Professional Communication: A Rhetorical Approach by Rebekah Bennetch, Corey Owen and Zachary Keesey, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Commas

Check Your Understanding: Commas

Check Your Understanding: Commas (Text Version)
  1. Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly
    1. Gerry, the team captain, took in the equipment.
    2. Gerry the team captain took in the equipment.
    3. Gerry the team captain, took in the equipment.
  2. True or false, the following sentence is correct:
    On Monday March 7 2010 we will open a new branch of our business in Winnipeg Manitoba.
  3. True or false, in order to correct the following sentence (below), a total of four commas should be used:
    On Monday March 7 2010 we will open a new branch of our business in Winnipeg Manitoba.
  4. Which sentence is correct?
    1. Moreover I’d like to have my uncle Bill at the hearing also.
    2. Moreover, I’d like to have my uncle Bill at the hearing also.
  5. Which sentence is correct?
    1. If you refer to the operating manual you will find the instructions for automatic sheet feeding on page 31.
    2. If you refer to the operating manual, you will find the instructions for automatic sheet feeding on page 31.
  6. After which words should commas be added in this sentence?
    Our lawyer advises however that July Chan whose fence was damaged in the car accident be present at the hearing.

    1. advises; however; chan
    2. however; chan
    3. advises; however; chan; accident
  7. Which of the following sentences using commas is correct?
    1. Air Canada now offers flights to Milan Frankfurt, and Cairo.
    2. Air Canada now offers flights to Milan, Frankfurt, and Cairo.
    3. Air Canada now offers flights to London Frankfurt and Rome.
  8. Where in this sentence should a comma be placed?
    We provide sophisticated document handling and we also supply advanced finishing capabilities for complete stapled sets at the touch of a button.

    1. after handling
    2. after sets
    3. after capabilities
  9. True or false, the following sentence is correct:
    Mail the software to Ms. Kathleen Smith, 3540 Avocado Road, Regina, Saskatchewan S4R 2S5, immediately.
  10. Where should a comma be placed in the following sentence?
    If your account exceeds $100000 it will continue to be insured for six months.

    1. $100,000
    2. $100000,

Check your answers[5]

Activity source: “EDE Prep U1M1: Exercise 2” by Sana, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

Check Your Understanding: Using Commas Correctly

Check Your Understanding: Using Commas Correctly (Text Version)

Fill in the missing words using the words below:

  • for instance
  • because
  • 20 commas (,)
  • but
  • because
  • if
  • but
  • so
  • because
  • meanwhile

Commas do a lot of work in sentences ______ such as separating independent clauses in compound sentences. ________ __________ take a look at where the comma goes in this sentence: Much of Canada’s industry depends on the international economy ________ it is difficult to predict which fields will offer increased employment in the near future and which will decline.

We also use commas to separate independent and dependent clauses in complex sentences. Take a look at where the comma goes in this sentence: ____________technology-based industries are growing ________ many people choose to go into this field of work.

Drag words and commas into the right places in the following sentences:

__________________ some couples may find they must depend on two incomes for survival ___________ they may find that they need to hire others to take care of their children ___________ aging parents ____________ finances __________ and possibly even house and garden maintenance. This is a reality that higher education students should keep in mind as they decide which industry to go into. Service industries ___________ such as health care ___________ tourism _____________ and hospitality are growing fields. It’s safe to say that people trained in health care ____________ hospitality ____________ child care (and pet care!) will find lots of job opportunities in the next three to five years. ______________ ____________ job prospects in the aviation industry are hard to predict ________ they depend on export sales and on business and holiday travel. We also know that people with digital skills will be needed in plastics processing _____________ mould making ____________and environmental technology. For college students in technology and service programs ________the future looks bright __________ __________ hey must remember that a degree or diploma does not guarantee job security. New graduates must remember that adaptability and flexibility are crucial to success in today’s workplace. It’s true that qualified workers will find their skills in high demand __________ __________ ___________ __________ they wish to maintain their employer’s interest in them ____________ they must be prepared to commit themselves to continuous professional development.

Check your answers[6]

Activity source: “Grammar: Using Commas Correctly” by Sarika Narinesingh, licensed under CC BY NC SA 4.0.

Attribution & References

References

Possel, H. (n.d.). Transition Words. Smart Words. https://www.smart-words.org/linking-words/transition-words.html

Traffis, C. (2020, December 16). What is a subordinating conjunction? Grammarly. https://www.grammarly.com/blog/subordinating-conjunctions/

Attribution & References

Except where otherwise noted, this “Putting it all together practice” is adapted from “Chapter 11: Run-on Sentences” In Effective Professional Communication: A Rhetorical Approach by Rebekah Bennetch, Corey Owen and Zachary Keesey, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0/ This chapter is adapted from

  1. 1) b 2) a 3) b 4) b 5) a 6) a ↵
  2. The report is due on Wednesday, but we’re flying back from Miami that morning. I told the project manager that we would be able to get the report to her later that day. She suggested that we come back a day early to get the report done. However, I told her we had meetings until our flight took off. We e-mailed our contact who said that they would check with his boss, and she said that the project could afford a delay as long as they wouldn’t have to make any edits or changes to the file. Our new deadline is next Friday. ↵
  3. Anna tried getting a reservation at the restaurant, but when she called they said that there was a waiting list. She put our names down on the list. When the day of our reservation arrived, we only had to wait thirty minutes because a table opened up unexpectedly. As a result, we were able to catch a movie after dinner in the time we’d expected to wait to be seated. ↵
  4. Without a doubt, my favorite artist is Leonardo da Vinci. Not because of his paintings but because of his fascinating designs, models, and sketches. These include plans for scuba gear, a flying machine, and a life-size mechanical lion that actually walked and moved its head. His paintings are beautiful too, especially when you see the computer enhanced versions. Researchers use a variety of methods to discover and enhance the paintings’ original colors, the result of which are stunningly vibrant and yet delicate displays of the man’s genius. ↵
    1. a.
    2. False
    3. True
    4. b.
    5. b.
    6. c.
    7. b.
    8. a.
    9. True
    10. a.
    ↵
  6. Commas do a lot of work in sentences, such as separating independent clauses in compound sentences. For instance, take a look at where the comma goes in this sentence: Much of Canada’s industry depends on the international economy *,* *SO* it is difficult to predict which fields will offer increased employment in the near future and which will decline. We also use commas to separate independent and dependent clauses in complex sentences. Take a look at where the comma goes in this sentence: *BECAUSE* technology-based industries are growing, many people choose to go into this field of work. Drag words and commas into the right places in the following sentences: Because some couples may find they must depend on two incomes for survival, they may find that they need to hire others to take care of their children, aging parents, finances, and possibly even house and garden maintenance. This is a reality that higher education students should keep in mind as they decide which industry to go into. Service industries, such as health care, tourism, and hospitality are growing fields. It's safe to say that people trained in health care, hospitality, child care (and pet care!) will find lots of job opportunities in the next three to five years. Meanwhile, job prospects in the aviation industry are hard to predict because they depend on export sales and on business and holiday travel. We also know that people with digital skills will be needed in plastics processing, mould making, and environmental technology. For college students in technology and service programs, the future looks bright, but they must remember that a degree or diploma does not guarantee job security. New graduates must remember that adaptability and flexibility are crucial to success in today’s workplace. It's true that qualified workers will find their skills in high demand, but, if they wish to maintain their employer's interest in them, they must be prepared to commit themselves to continuous professional development. ↵
definition

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