Weekly Pointers: Rid Your Writing of Run-Ons

One of the most common mistakes editors encounter in writing is the use of run-on sentences. Now, you may be thinking this was weeded out in basic English, but many of us still struggle with it. Why? Because sometimes we write just like we speak, and sometimes there isn’t a clear distinction in our speech for the end of a sentence. Just to refresh, a run-on sentence is a one that incorrectly joins two or more independent clauses. Independent clauses are just that—independent—and can’t be a part of a larger sentence without a proper link.

There are the two common types of run-ons:

1.  Comma splice

A comma splice is created when two or more independent clauses are simply joined by a comma.

I went to the store, Jenna met me there.

2.  Fused sentence

A fused sentence occurs when independent clauses are joined with no conjunction or punctuation.

Mark looked out the window he saw it was cloudy.

In speech, one might be able to clarify that the examples above contain two separate clauses. However, reading them is a bit trickier. In order to avoid confusing readers, here are four ways you can revise run-on sentences:

Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction

This is perhaps the most common fix for a run-on sentence. Adding a coordinating conjunction—and, but, or, so, yet, nor, for—after a comma separates the clauses while keeping them in the same sentence. Let’s use the example run-ons above to show how this works:

Incorrect: I went to the store, Jenna met me there.

Correct: I went to the store, and Jenna met me there.

Incorrect: Mark looked out the window he saw it was cloudy.

Correct: Mark looked out the window, but he saw it was cloudy.

3. Use a semicolon

Semicolons can be a bit more finicky, but I promise they’re useful. Semicolons are typically used to join two independent clauses that are somehow linked in idea or thought. Semicolons give these clauses given equal position or rank, a nuance that simply adding a comma and conjunction doesn’t provide.

Incorrect: I purchased blue pens, Jenna wanted green.

Correct: I purchased blue pens; Jenna wanted green.

You can also follow a semicolon with a transitional expression (for example, however, similarly, in contrast, then, as a result, etc.).

Incorrect: Mark loved cloudy days however he was ready for some sunshine.

Correct: Mark loved cloudy days; however, he was ready for some sunshine.

4. Divide the run-on into separate sentences

Never underestimate the power of short sentences. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in trying to create long, eloquent sentences that we create run-ons. Try to separate some of these with a period.

Incorrect: Jenna found her notebooks, I shopped for my own stationery.

Correct: Jenna found her notebooks. I shopped for my own stationery.

Incorrect: Mark put on a jacket he wasn’t sure if it was chilly outside.

Correct: Mark put on a jacket. He wasn’t sure if it was chilly outside.

5. Make one of the clauses dependent

Another way you can fix a run-on is to subordinate one of the clauses, taking it from independent to dependent. Try these examples:

Incorrect: Jenna and I left separately, we’d see each other tomorrow.

Correct: Because we’d see each other tomorrow, Jenna and I left separately.

Here, “Because we’d see each other tomorrow” is a dependent clause and cannot stand alone.

Incorrect: The weather might look better tomorrow Mark planned to ride his bike then.

Correct: If the weather looked better tomorrow, Mark planned to ride his bike then.

Here, “If the weather looked better tomorrow” has been altered slightly to become a dependent clause. This way, you can keep both clauses in the same sentence.

Hopefully, this week’s pointer has been helpful in ridding your writing of run-on sentences. Of course, it’s important to note that a lot of writers break these rules in creative ways. However, you must know the rules in order to break them effectively. What other grammatical errors trip you up? Comment below!