The College of Saint Rose Writing Center, 2006
Run-ons and Comma Splices
What is a Run-on Sentence?
A run-on is a sentence that occurs when two independent thoughts are joined together without the proper
punctuation (a period or semi-colon) or connecting word.
Examples:
A. The sun shined brightly on the field it was such a beautiful day.
independent thought
independent thought
FIXED: The sun shined brightly on the field. It was such a beautiful day.
(Separate two independent thoughts by making two separate sentences, i.e. insert a period)
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B. There is not going to be a dance this year there is simply not enough money.
independent thought
independent thought
FIXED: There is not going to be a dance this year; there is simply not enough money.
(Separate two independent thoughts with a semi-colon)
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C. John decided to go to the game he needed a break from his job.
independent thought
independent thought
FIXED: John decided to go to the game because he needed a break from his job.
(Separate two independent thoughts with a connecting word that clarifies the relationship
between the two thoughts)
N.B. Depending on the type of connecting word used, you may need to add either a comma or semi-colon.
Add a comma if you insert a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
Add a semi-colon if you insert a transition word (however, therefore, consequently, nevertheless, etc.)
The College of Saint Rose Writing Center, 2006
What is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice occurs when two independent thoughts are connected with only a comma. In order for the
sentence to properly constructed, the comma must either be accompanied by a connecting word or replaced
with a period or semi-colon.
Examples:
A. The theme of deceit is strong in the scene, it can be seen most clearly in Hamlet’s behavior.
independent thought
independent thought
FIXED: The theme of deceit is strong in the scene. It can be seen most clearly in Hamlet’s
behavior.
(Replace the comma with a period)
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B. Mary is going to California on Friday, she won the trip through a local contest.
independent thought
independent thought
FIXED: Mary is going to California on Friday; she won the trip through a local contest.
(Replace the comma with a semi-colon)
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C. The lioness slept on the flat rock, her cubs played and jumped around her.
independent thought
independent thought
FIXED: The lioness slept on the flat rock, while her cubs played and jumped around her.
(Leave the comma, but add a connecting word that clarifies the relationship between the
two thoughts)
The following resource was consulted in the design of this handout:
Harris, Muriel. Prentice Hall Reference Guide to Grammar and Usage. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River , NJ:
Prentice Hall, 2003.
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The College of Saint Rose, 2007 Designed by Jaclyn Amoroso