DTW GED PREP

Understanding and Correcting Run-On Sentences

In standard written English, a sentence must express a complete thought and include both a subject and a predicate. Problems arise when two or more independent clauses are joined improperly—this results in a run-on sentence.

There are two primary types of run-on sentences:

1. Comma Splice

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, without an appropriate coordinating conjunction.

• Incorrect: Harry went skating, he loves to ice skate.

2. Fused Sentence

A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation at all.

• Incorrect: Harry went skating he loves to ice skate.

Both forms are grammatically incorrect and reduce the clarity of your writing.

Effective Strategies for Correcting Run-Ons

You can correct run-on sentences using several accepted methods. Choose the one that best maintains the flow and meaning of your sentence:

1. Use a Period to Separate the Sentences

This method breaks the sentence into two distinct, grammatically correct thoughts.

• Correct: Harry went skating. He loves to ice skate.

2. Use a Semicolon to Join Related Ideas

Use a semicolon when the two ideas are closely connected and of equal importance.

• Correct: Harry went skating; he loves to ice skate.

Note: A semicolon eliminates the need to capitalize the first word of the second clause (unless it’s a proper noun).

3. Use a Subordinating Conjunction to Show Relationship

This method connects the two clauses by making one dependent on the other, showing a cause-effect or time relationship.

• Correct: Harry went skating because he loves to ice skate.

1.3 RUN-ON SENTENCES

Directions: Some of the sentences below are either fused sentences or comma splices. If a sentence is correctly written, place a C in the blank. If the sentence is incorrect, underline the word where a new sentence could begin.

    __________ 1. The children from the day camp enjoyed riding the roller coaster.
    __________ 2. A small group of coyotes may gather together in the evening they make eerie, howling sounds together.
    __________ 3. The doctor performed an emergency operation and saved the man’s life.
    __________ 4. I looked in my backpack for my locker key, I couldn’t find it.
    __________ 5. Mosquitoes are dangerous creatures most people aren’t aware of how harmful they can be.

1. The children from the day camp enjoyed riding the roller coaster.

Answer: C
Explanation: This sentence is correctly written. It contains a complete subject and predicate and does not include any comma splices or fused sentences. The ideas are logically and clearly expressed.

2. A small group of coyotes may gather together in the evening they make eerie, howling sounds together.

Answer: evening
Explanation: This is a fused sentence (also called a run-on). Two independent clauses are improperly joined without punctuation or a conjunction.

Corrected version: A small group of coyotes may gather together in the evening. They make eerie, howling sounds together.

3. The doctor performed an emergency operation and saved the man’s life.

Answer: C
Explanation: This is a correct sentence. It joins two related actions with a coordinating conjunction (“and”), making it a grammatically correct compound sentence.

4. I looked in my backpack for my locker key, I couldn’t find it.

Answer: key
Explanation: This is a comma splice. Two independent clauses are joined incorrectly with just a comma.

 Corrected version: I looked in my backpack for my locker key. I couldn’t find it.
Or: I looked in my backpack for my locker key, but I couldn’t find it.

5. Mosquitoes are dangerous creatures most people aren’t aware of how harmful they can be.

Answer: creatures
Explanation: This is a fused sentence. Two complete ideas are run together without punctuation.

 Corrected version: Mosquitoes are dangerous creatures. Most people aren’t aware of how harmful they can be.