Name:_________________________ Identifying and Repairing Run-ons Language Arts
Run-on sentence: independent clauses (group of words with a subject a verb that forms a
complete thought) joined together without proper punctuation
Type one: Fused sentence: independent clauses connected with NO punctuation
Example: I like Frank he is nice. Oranges are healthy they contain Vitamin C.
Type two: Comma splice: independent clauses are joined by a comma alone
Example: I like Frank, he is nice. Oranges are healthy, they contain Vitamin C.
Avoid writing run-ons by properly connecting independent clauses with
1.
2.
3.
4.
a period
a comma and a conjunction (FANBOYS) I like Frank, for he is nice.
a semicolon Oranges are healthy; they contain Vitamin C.
a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb and a comma (however, therefore, nevertheless,
hence, thus, consequently, furthermore, on the other hand, subsequently…) Oranges contain
Vitamin C; hence, they are healthy. Frank is nice; consequently, I like him. Judy seems kind;
however, her heart is as black as coal. (use correctly and sparingly for effect)
Determine whether each example is a run-on. If it is, correct it using a method listed above.
1.
Greg is the captain because he’s a great leader.
2.
Christmas is coming therefore the children are very excited.
3.
Very generous people give to charities, greedy folk hoard all their cash.
4.
Zoos are great places to visit I’ve been to the Philadelphia Zoo several times.
5.
Cell phones are becoming increasingly popular, even children as young as ten years old own their own cell
phones.
6.
Favoritism may be unfair, but it is a common fact of life people have to learn to deal with.
7.
Ralph wanted a Red Rider B.B. Gun, he received a pink bunny suit.
8.
Because he hates Christmas, the Grinch stole all the toys, trees, and goodies from the Who’s.
9.
I love green beans and peas however I hate broccoli and spinach.
10. I took a deep breath the room smelled like pine trees.
11. Wanting to check the score of the game, Nick turned on the television.
12. Road conditions are bad, visibility is poor.
13. While at the movies, I like to drink white cherry Icees and eat Snow Caps and popcorn.
14. Believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see.
15. Reading is relaxing, I enjoy it thoroughly.
16. If you hate Carla so much, why do you eat lunch with her everyday?
17. Watch out for dog poop, it’s all over the lawn.
18. Treadmills were popular in the eighties and nineties now ellipticals are the more preferred stationary
machines.