This document defines and provides examples of run-on sentences and comma splices. It explains that a run-on sentence contains too many ideas or lacks proper punctuation, while a comma splice incorrectly uses only a comma to join two independent clauses. The document also demonstrates how to correct run-on sentences and comma splices by adding punctuation such as periods, semicolons, or linking words between the clauses.

2.  What is it?
 A sentence with too many ideas in it
(confusing) or inadequate punctuation (bad
grammar) is a Run-on Sentence
 This is considered a major error, as it
indicates the writer does not recognize the
basic building block of writing – the
sentence.

4.  I was sitting on my bed listening to the radio
when my roommate came in and complained
about the noise which she said was disturbing
her because she was trying to work and I just
stared at her because the radio was on low
and besides, she has her TV on so loud all the
time that I can’t sleep but I don’t complain
about it because I’m trying to get along with
her so she’ll stay in the house with me and
continue to share the rent because I can’t
afford to live here by myself.

5. 1. Comma Splice
2. Fused Sentence

6.  Using a comma to join together 2
independent clauses (complete sentences)
 Something stronger than a comma is needed
 Example) This film is boring, it has no action.

7.  No punctuation is used to join 2 complete
sentences
 Example) This film is boring it has no action.

8. 1. Use a period to make 2 separate sentences.
Example) This film is boring. It has no action.
2. Use a semi-colon to make 1 sentence.
Example) This film is boring; it has no action.

9. 3. Add an appropriate linking word between
the 2 sentences.
a) Add a coordinating conjunction: for, and,
nor, but, or, yet, so (remember these easily
with FANBOYS).
• You must use a comma before these words!
• Ex) This film is boring, for it has no action.

10. b) Change one of the independent clauses into
a dependent clause by adding a
subordinating conjunction (because, after,
since, while…)
 Use no comma if the S.C. comes in the
middle of the sentence.
 Use a comma if the S.C. comes at the start
of the sentence
 Ex) This film is boring because it has no
action.
 Ex) Because it has no action, this film is
boring.

11. 4. Add a transitional expression (word or
phrase) to show a cause & effect
relationship, or the continuation of an idea
Ex) for example, therefore, consequently, in
fact, thus, on the other hand….

12.  The forecast called for rain; instead, we got
sun.
 My neighbours are noisy; therefore, I got
little sleep last night.
 I like champagne; however, I can’t afford it.
 Notice the semi-colon BEFORE the transition
and the comma AFTER it!!

13.  There is no absolute rule about how many
clauses you can glue together with semi-
colons and linking words, but try not to use
more than 3 clauses (2 semi-colons) in one
sentence. Any more gets confusing and hard
to read.

14.  June is a month of nice weather that doesn’t
explain why it is the most popular month for
weddings the month is named after Juno, the
Roman goddess of marriage. People believed
that Juno would bless couples married during
her month, we’ve forgotten about Juno but
still prefer June weddings.

15.  The most popular song in the world was
composed in 1893, it was written by two
sisters in Kentucky. Mildred and Patty Hill’s
song was first titled “Good Morning to You”
later the sisters changed the words to
“Happy Birthday to You.”