This document discusses run-on sentences and comma splices. It defines a run-on sentence as one with two clauses connected incorrectly. A comma splice is a specific type of run-on where two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. The document provides examples of run-ons and comma splices and describes different ways to correct them, such as using a period, semicolon, or comma plus a conjunction between the clauses.

1. Avoiding Run-On
Sentences
FROM THE WRITING CENTER
@ THE A.R.C.

2. Learning Objectives
• Identify and correct run-on sentences.
• Identify and correct comma splices.

3. Run-On Sentences
The length of a sentence has nothing to do with whether or not a sentence is considered a run-on.
An over-exuberant, run-off-at-the-mouth, four-hundred word gorilla of a sentence can be structurally
fine.
A run-on sentence is one in which two clauses have been connected incorrectly.
A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence in which two independent clauses are connected by
only a comma.

4. Traps of the Run-On Sentence
There are three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen:
1. When a pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun in the first clause:
The actor’s popularity has gone down recently she apparently
overestimated the power of reality television.
2. When a suggestion or imperative occurs in the second clause:
You will be responsible for this material on the quiz, study it now.
3. When two clauses are connected by a transitional expression:
Many people think that running a stop light is a safe driving habit
however the opposite is actually true.

5. Avoiding Run-On Sentences
Think of an independent clause like a train, just a train headed west.
Connecting two independent clauses improperly is like coupling a train headed west with a
train headed east.
Nothing but tragedy and frustration will result from coupling these train clauses
incorrectly!
Run-on example: Some students think they can study for an important exam by
“cramming” all night they are probably wrong.

6. Comma Splices
Example: Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all
night, they are probably wrong.
This is an example of the dreaded Comma Splice!
How do you correct comma splices?
A comma splice connects two independent clauses with only a comma.

7. Correcting Run-ons and Comma Splices
There are several ways to fix a Comma Splice:
◦ 1. Insert a period and begin a new sentence.
Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all
night. They are probably wrong.
• 2. Insert a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (for/and/nor/but/or/yet/so.)
Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all
night, but they are probably wrong.
• 3. Use a semicolon.
Some students think they can study for an important exam by “cramming” all
night; they are probably wrong.

8. Escape the Run-on!
1. The actor’s popularity has gone has gone down recently, and she apparently
overestimated the power of reality television.
2. You will be responsible for this material on the quiz. Study it now.
3. Many people think that running a stop light is a safe driving habit; however,
the opposite is actually true.

9. In Conclusion…
 Run-ons happen when independent clauses are joined incorrectly.
 A comma splice is a type of run-on. It is when independent clauses are incorrectly fused together
with a comma.
 To avoid run-ons and comma splices, be sure that you have one of the following in between your
independent clauses:
• A semicolon
• A comma and a coordinating conjunction
• A period