Run-on Sentences

A run-on sentence is a problem in writing.  It is a sentence that
is too long.  Often run-on sentences contain:
•        More than one idea
•        More than one subject

Example:       

I went to the store to buy milk and the milk was very cheap
because it was on sale.
I and the milk are both subjects.  There are two ideas in this
sentence as well.

Take a look at other examples of run on sentences.  The
multiple subjects are underlined.  Remember, these are all
mistakes.  You want to avoid run on sentences in your writing.
The boy is very happy, his sister is not.Mr. Lewis and Mr. Jenkins are neighbours, they have known
each other for 5 years.

The general rule to avoid run on sentences is as follows:
      A sentence has one subject and one main idea.

Conjunctions are often used improperly to create run-on
sentences so be aware of words like and, but, so, and then.

Many people use commas incorrectly.  The result is a run on
sentence called a comma splice.  Look at some examples of
comma splices to see the mistake.

• Please do not use your dictionary, they are not allowed on the test.
  
• The man has never visited France, his brother has.
  

Solutions to Run-On Sentences
Use a period to make two sentences

• Hank loves baseball and he plays every Sunday.
  
• Hank loves baseball.  He plays every Sunday.
  

Separate with a semicolon (;)

• Hank loves baseball and he plays every Sunday.
  
• Hank loves baseball; he plays every Sunday.
  

Separate with a comma and add but, or, yet, so, for, and, nor

• Hank loves baseball and he plays every Sunday.        
  
• Hank loves baseball, and he plays every day.
  
• Hank loves baseball, but he never plays.  
  

Decide if the sentence is a run-on or if it is correct.

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1. Give your mother the keys, she needs them to open the house.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

2. She loves to watch soccer, but she does not like to play.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

3. I have never been to Cuba, I hear it is really nice.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

4. They brought ice cream and a cake with your name written on it.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

5. My co-worker arrives early every morning, so she normally leaves early as well.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

6. You must bring your passport any time you fly on an airplane.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

7. The books in the class are old, but they are still very useful.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

8. Yesterday it rained for many hours, it stopped raining later in the day.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

9. You should try the new restaurant downtown, it is very popular.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

10. Most people I know do not vote in elections, but many people vote in every election.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct
Decide if the sentence is a run-on or if it is correct.

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1. The professor spoke about gravity, he showed many examples of how gravity is calculated.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

2. A university library is an important part of a campus, but it is not the only place student can study.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

3. Please include your student number on the application, it is necessary for registration.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

4. The Amazon River is home to many indigenous cultures, and it provides transportation for these people.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

5. The computer lab is closed, so you will need to print your paper somewhere else.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

6. You need to phone the office and speak to someone in charge of payments.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

7. There are several methods of communication, body language is an example.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

8. Although many people are unemployed, the savings rates in this country have increased.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

9. Web design is increasing in popularity, this is because there are many job in this field.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct

10. The history of jazz music in North America has been well documented, but few people can name more than two or three jazz musicians.
a) Run-on sentence
b) Correct