This document defines and provides examples of run-on sentences and comma splices, which are grammatical errors that occur when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined. It explains that run-on sentences lack punctuation between the clauses, while comma splices incorrectly use only a comma. The document then lists four methods for correcting these errors: creating separate sentences, using a comma and conjunction, connecting with a semicolon, or adding a subordinating word.

2. Run-on

A Run-on sentence commonly occurs when two
independent
clauses
(complete
ideas)
are
combined without a comma and a coordinating
conjunction.

Example

Joan rides the subway to work the bus is too
slow. (Run-on)

3. Comma Splice
A
comma
splice
sentence
occurs
when
two
independent clauses are joined with a comma but
without a coordinating conjunction.
Example


Brian plays the piano, David plays the guitar. (Comma
Splice)
Brian plays the piano, and David plays the guitar.
(Correct Sentence)

4. 
1.
Here are four methods to correct a run-on
and a comma splice:
Create two separate sentences.
Joan rides the subway to work. The bus is too
slow.
2.
Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction
(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to link the two
ideas together to create a correctly
punctuated compound sentence.
Joan rides the subway to work, for the bus is
too slow.

5. 3.
Connect the clauses with semicolon:
Joan rides the subway to work; the bus is too
slow.
4.
Connect the clauses with a subordinator:
When our team went to playoffs, they lost the
championship by 57 points.