What is a run-on sentence?
Run-on sentences, also known as fused sentences, occur when two complete sentences are squashed together without using a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation, such as a period or a semicolon.
Run-on sentences can be short or long. A long sentence isn’t necessarily a run-on sentence.
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Run-on sentence examples
Below is an example of two independent clauses that are structured as a run-on sentence. It fuses two complete thoughts into one sentence without proper punctuation.
Lila enjoyed the bouquet of tulips John gave her on prom night however she prefers roses.
Now, here is an example of how to write these two independent clauses correctly. A semicolon is placed between the two clauses to separate each thought. It also includes a comma after the conjunctive adverb, however, as a transition into the second clause.
Lila enjoyed the bouquet of tulips John gave her on prom night; however, she prefers roses.
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Fixing and correcting run-on sentences
To avoid run-on sentences, see if there is more than one idea communicated by two or more independent clauses. In our examples, there are two complete sentences:
Lily enjoyed the bouquet of tulips John gave her on prom night.
She prefers roses.
Both sentences are complete ideas by themselves; therefore, use a semicolon or a period to indicate that they are separate independent clauses.
Never miss a run-on sentence error
Writing with Grammarly helps you avoid run-on sentences. Whether you’re using our browser extension or the Grammarly Editor, our writing suggestions look for grammatical errors as well as the clarity of your writing, flagging when sentences are too long and therefore not as readable and understood by your audience. Grammarly offers suggestions on how to run-on sentences, helping you learn how to improve your writing over time.
