Hello there, English learner! 👋
Great question about run-on sentences—a common challenge for writers at all levels. Run-ons can make your writing confusing or hard to follow. But don’t worry—I’ll show you exactly how to spot, fix, and avoid them with clear examples and tips!

🗝️ What Is a Run-On Sentence?

A run-on sentence happens when two or more independent clauses (complete sentences) are joined incorrectly—usually without proper punctuation or connecting words.

🧠 In short:
➡️ A run-on is like two or more full sentences smashed together without a proper break.

❌ Example of a Run-On:

I love ice cream it’s my favorite dessert.

This contains two complete ideas, but they’re not separated properly.

✅ How to Fix a Run-On Sentence

You can fix a run-on in five main ways:

🔧 1. Use a Period (Break into two sentences)

❌ I love ice cream it’s my favorite dessert.
✔️ I love ice cream. It’s my favorite dessert.

Simple and effective!

🔧 2. Use a Comma + Coordinating Conjunction

(FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

✔️ I love ice cream, and it’s my favorite dessert.

🧠 Think: comma + FANBOY = correct connection.

🔧 3. Use a Semicolon (;)

Semicolons link two closely related independent clauses.

✔️ I love ice cream; it’s my favorite dessert.

🔧 4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction

Make one clause dependent (use because, although, since, while, etc.)

✔️ I love ice cream because it’s my favorite dessert.
✔️ Although I love cake, ice cream is my favorite.

🔧 5. Use a Relative Clause

You can rephrase one sentence to describe the other.

✔️ Ice cream, which I love, is my favorite dessert.

⚠️ Don’t Use Just a Comma! (Comma Splice)

This is another type of run-on.

❌ I love ice cream, it’s my favorite dessert. ← Wrong
✔️ I love ice cream. It’s my favorite dessert.
✔️ I love ice cream, and it’s my favorite dessert. ← Correct

📝 Practice: Identify and Fix the Run-Ons

Fix the run-on sentences below:

1. He went to the store he forgot to buy milk.
2. She’s a great singer she also plays guitar.
3. I was tired, I kept working anyway.
4. The sun is shining it’s a beautiful day.

✅ Suggested Fixes:

1. He went to the store, but he forgot to buy milk.
2. She’s a great singer. She also plays guitar.
3. I was tired, yet I kept working anyway.
4. The sun is shining; it’s a beautiful day.

💡 Learning Tip: Spot the Subjects and Verbs

If your sentence has more than one subject and verb, ask:

• Are they part of the same idea?
• Do they need a connector or punctuation?

🧠 If you see:
Subject + verb, subject + verb → check for proper punctuation!

🎯 Pro Tip: Read It Out Loud

When reading aloud:

• Do you run out of breath?
• Does it sound rushed or mashed together?

If so, your sentence might be a run-on!