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A RUN-ON SENTENCE (sometimes called a "fused sentence") has at least two parts, either one of which can stand by itself (in other words, two independent clauses), but the two parts have been smooshed together instead of being properly connected. Review, also, the section which describes Things That Can Happen Between Two Independent Clauses.

It is important to realize that the length of a sentence really has nothing to do with whether a sentence is a run-on or not; being a run-on is a structural flaw that can plague even a very short sentence:The sun is high, put on some sunblock.

An extremely long sentence, on the other hand, might be a "run-off-at-the-mouth" sentence, but it can be otherwise sound, structurally. Click here to see a 239-word sentence that is a perfectly fine sentence (structurally)

When two independent clauses are connected by only a comma, they constitute a run-on sentence that is called a comma-splice. The example just above (about the sunscreen) is a comma-splice. When you use a comma to connect two independent clauses, it must be accompanied by a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so).

The sun is high, so put on some sunscreen.

Run-on sentences happen typically under the following circumstances*:

  1. When an independent clause gives an order or directive based on what was said in the prior independent clause:This next chapter has a lot of difficult information in it, you should start studying right away. (We could put a period where that comma is and start a new sentence. A semicolon might also work there.)
  2. When two independent clauses are connected by a transitional expression (conjunctive adverb) such as however, moreover, nevertheless.Mr. Nguyen has sent his four children to ivy-league colleges, however, he has sacrificed his health working day and night in that dusty bakery. (Again, where that first comma appears, we could have used either a period --- and started a new sentence --- or a semicolon.)
  3. When the second of two independent clauses contains a pronoun that connects it to the first independent clause.This computer doesn't make sense to me, it came without a manual. (Although these two clauses are quite brief, and the ideas are closely related, this is a run-on sentence. We need a period where that comma now stands.) Most of those computers in the Learning Assistance Center are broken already, this proves my point about American computer manufacturers. Again, two nicely related clauses, incorrectly connected --- a run-on. Use a period to cure this sentence. I hope this helps if not sorry!:D
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A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined without appropriate punctuation. A comma splice involves connecting two independent clauses with just a comma. To correct these errors, you can separate the clauses with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.

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Q: How do you know if a sentence is a run on or comma splice?
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How would you see if a sentence had a comma splice?

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are connected with only a comma. To identify a comma splice, look for two complete sentences joined together with a comma without a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, etc.) or a semicolon. Fix a comma splice by adding a coordinating conjunction, replacing the comma with a semicolon, or using a period to make separate sentences.


What is an example of a comma splice sentence?

"I woke up early, I went for a run."


What is sentence splice?

A sentence splice occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined together with a comma without a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation. This results in a run-on sentence that lacks the necessary separation between clauses for clarity and grammatical correctness.


What is the difference between a run on and a comma splice?

A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are connected without proper punctuation or conjunctions. A comma splice, on the other hand, happens when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma but without a coordinating conjunction. Both errors result in choppy or confusing sentences.


How is a comma splice different from a run-on sentence?

A comma splice is when two independent clauses are joined by a comma alone, which is grammatically incorrect. A run-on sentence, on the other hand, is when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction, creating a lengthy or confusing sentence. Both errors can lead to confusion and should be avoided in writing.

Related questions

Is this sentence a comma splice run-on or a fragment sentence- The girl in front of you who appeared to be 19 was attempting to buy beer?

Comma Splice Run-on sentence.


How would you see if a sentence had a comma splice?

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are connected with only a comma. To identify a comma splice, look for two complete sentences joined together with a comma without a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, etc.) or a semicolon. Fix a comma splice by adding a coordinating conjunction, replacing the comma with a semicolon, or using a period to make separate sentences.


What is the difference between a run on and a comma splice?

A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are connected without proper punctuation or conjunctions. A comma splice, on the other hand, happens when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with a comma but without a coordinating conjunction. Both errors result in choppy or confusing sentences.


What is sentence splice?

A sentence splice occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined together with a comma without a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation. This results in a run-on sentence that lacks the necessary separation between clauses for clarity and grammatical correctness.


What is the difference between a comma splice and a run-on sentence?

A comma splice is when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with just a comma. A run-on sentence occurs when multiple independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Both mistakes can lead to confusion and should be avoided in writing.


How is a comma splice different from a run-on sentence?

A comma splice is when two independent clauses are joined by a comma alone, which is grammatically incorrect. A run-on sentence, on the other hand, is when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction, creating a lengthy or confusing sentence. Both errors can lead to confusion and should be avoided in writing.


How can a compound sentence become a comma splice?

A compound sentence becomes a comma splice when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined together with just a comma, without a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation. This creates a run-on sentence where the two ideas are not properly connected.


What is the proper term for a run-on sentence that is incorrectly punctuated with a comma in the middle of it instead of a semicolon or period?

The correct term for a run-on sentence that is incorrectly punctuated with a comma is a comma splice. This occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation. It is considered a punctuation error in formal writing.


What is the difference between a sentence and a run on?

A comma splice is when a two complete sentences are separated by a comma, without a conjunction. This makes it gramatically incorrect. A run-on sentence continues on and on with no clear predicate.


Are comma splice and run-on sentences the same thing?

No, comma splice and run-on sentences are not the same thing. A comma splice is when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction or appropriate punctuation. A run-on sentence, on the other hand, is when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly fused together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.


Does this sentence has comma splice keeping a journal is satisfying you prefer taping your thoughts to writing them down?

Yes, the sentence has a comma splice. To correct it, you can replace the comma with a semicolon or separate it into two sentences: "Keeping a journal is satisfying; you prefer taping your thoughts to writing them down."


How would you see ia a sentence had a comma splice?

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without a conjunction or proper punctuation. This results in a run-on sentence that lacks clarity and may confuse the reader.