HFCC Learning Lab
Sentence Structure, 4.2
Run-On Sentences
Explanation:
When two clauses (also called main clauses) are joined together in one sentence without a
coordinating conjunction and without any punctuation, a run-on sentences results. This is a serious error
in sentence construction.
Examples:
Jerry’s hobbies are hunting and fishing he also likes swimming.
The doctor could not diagnose Robert’s problem immediately he needed to do
some blood tests and evaluate his medical history first.
Everyone in my family likes music however not all of us enjoy jazz.
Correction:
The run-on sentence may be corrected in four different ways.
1. The two independent clauses may be written separately.
Jerry’s hobbies are hunting and fishing. He also likes swimming.
The doctor could not diagnose Robert’s problem immediately. He needed to do
some blood tests and evaluate his medical history first.
Everyone in my family likes music. However, not all of us enjoy jazz.
2. The two independent clauses may be joined with a comma plus a coordinating
conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, and sometimes so and yet).
Jerry’s hobbies are hunting and fishing, and he also likes swimming.
Everyone in my family likes music, but not all of us enjoy jazz.
3. The two independent clauses can be joined with a semi-colon. A connecting word
plus a comma may follow the semi-colon.
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Jerry’s hobbies are hunting and fishing; he also likes swimming.
The doctor could not diagnose Robert’s problem immediately; he needed to do
some blood tests and evaluate his medical history first.
Everyone in my family likes music; however, not all of us enjoy jazz.
4. One of the independent clauses may be subordinated.
Although Jerry’s hobbies are hunting and fishing, he also likes swimming.
Because he needed to do some blood tests and evaluate his medical history
first, the doctor could not diagnose Robert’s problem immediately.
Everyone in my family likes music although not all of us enjoy jazz.
NOTE: Some sentences are better suited to one type depending upon the relationship that is needed
to be expressed.
Look at the clauses about Jerry. If they are corrected by writing them as separate sentences or by joining
them with a semi-colon or a comma and the coordinating conjunction “and”, the relationship is one of
addition. One piece of information is added to another. If, however, the two clauses are joined by using
a comma and the coordinating conjunction “but”, or by subordinating one of the clauses, a different
relationship is indicated.
The clauses about the doctor, on the other hand, do not lend themselves to being joined with a comma
and a coordinating conjunction but they may be handled in any other three ways.
Summary:
Do not join two independent clauses in a sentence without the proper punctuation.
EXERCISE
A. Correct the run-ons by writing the independent clauses as separate sentences on a separate
sheet of paper.
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1. One of my favorite authors is John Steinbeck he wrote The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice
and Men, and many other novels.
2. Many people are concerned about the violence on current television programs they are
worried about its effect son children.
3. Going to school full-time and working part-time can be difficult this schedule leaves a
student very little time for relaxation.
B. Correct the following run-ons on a separate piece of paper, by joining the independent clauses.
1. My favorite hobby is reading I also enjoy sewing.
2. I am not willing to accept your explanation I won’t forgive you tactlessness either.
3. The pilot completed his pre-flight check of the aircraft he prepared to take off.
C. Correct the following run-ons by joining the independent clauses with a semi-colon.
1. Traveling in Michigan can be exciting it can also be very educational.
2. Many children thrive on activity and excitement others prefer a calmer environment.
3. Cardiology is a medical specialty relating to the heart hematology is a specialty involving
the blood.
D. Correct the run-ons by subordinating one of the clauses.
1. Dr. Anderson has decided to retire from private practice he blames the high cost of
malpractice insurance for his decision.
2. People should refuse to accept inferior merchandise then manufacturers will be forces
to improve their quality control.
3. One possible answer to your financial dilemma is to declare bankruptcy you could also
talk to your creditors and make arrangements to repay them on a mutually acceptable
schedule.
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ANSWER KEY
A. Independent clauses as separate sentences:
1. One of my favorite authors is John Steinbeck. He wrote The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice
and Men, and many other novels.
2. Many people are concerned about the violence on current television programs they are
worried about its effect son children.
3. Going to school full-time and working part-time can be difficult this schedule leaves a
student very little time for relaxation.
B. Independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction:
1. My favorite hobby is reading, but I also enjoy sewing.
2. I am not willing to accept your explanation, and I won’t forgive you tactlessness either.
3. The pilot completed his pre-flight check of the aircraft, and he prepared to take off.
C. Independent clauses joined with a semi-colon:
1. Traveling in Michigan can be exciting; it can also be very educational.
2. Many children thrive on activity and excitement; others prefer a calmer environment.
3. Cardiology is a medical specialty relating to the heart; hematology is a specialty
involving the blood.
D. Independent clauses joined by subordinating one of the clauses:
1. Dr. Anderson has decided to retire from private practice because he did not want to pay
the high cost of malpractice insurance.
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2. When people should refuse to accept inferior merchandise, manufacturers will be forces
to improve their quality control.
3. Although one possible answer to your financial dilemma is to declare bankruptcy, you
could also talk to your creditors and make arrangements to repay them on a mutually
acceptable schedule.
6/28/2010