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La Jolla High School Name:________________________________________
Period:____ Date:______________________________
How To Fix Run-On Sentences Lesson by Mrs. Patricia Vreeland © 2010
Compound
Sentences
Simple
Sentences
This is a run-on sentence: I read I write.
There are seven ways that you can fix it.
1.
Write two separate sentences.
I read. I write. (two simple sentences)
2.
Combine with a semi-colon.
I read; I write. (a compound sentence using a semi-colon)
3.
Combine with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
I read, and I write. (a compound sentence that uses a coordinating conjunction) (uses a comma)
4.
Combine with a comma and a correlative conjuntion.
Either I read, or I write. (a compound sentence that uses a correlative conjunction) (uses a comma)
5.
Combine with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.
I read; furthermore, I write. (a compound sentence that uses a conjunctive adverb)
I read; then I write. (another compound sentence that uses a conjunctive adverb)
(Note the punctuation: You must use a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it, except for the word
then which is not followed by a comma in this situation. The transitional phrases below are punctuated in the same way.)
Complex
Sentences
Coordinating Conjunctions: and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet
Correlative Conjunctions: both—and, either—or, neither—nor, not only---but also, whether—or
Conjunctive Adverbs: also, anyhow, anyway, besides, consequently, finally, furthermore, hence, however, incidentally,
indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, similarly, still, then, therefore, thus
I read; as a result, I write. (a compound sentence that uses a transitional phrase)
6.
Use a subordinating conjunction.
After I read, I write. (a complex sentence that begins with the subordinate clause) (uses a comma)
I write after I read. (a complex sentence that ends with a subordinate clause) (does not use a comma)
Because I can read, I can write better. (a complex sentence that begins with a subordinate clause) (uses a comma)
7.
Transitional Phrases: after all, as a result, at any rate, at the same time, by the way, even so, for example, in addition, in
fact, in other words, in the second place, on the contrary, on the other hand
Subordinating Conjunctions: after, although, as (far/soon) as, as if, as though, because, before, even if, even though,
how, if, in case, in that, inasmuch as, insofar as, lest, no matter how, now that, once, provided (that), since, so that, supposing that, than, though, ’til (till), unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, whether, while, why
(Note: You use a comma after the subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence.)
(Note: You do not use a comma if the subordinate clause comes in the second part of the sentence, unless it shows contrast.)
Use a relative pronoun to create a subordinate adjective clause.
Writing, which seems difficult, is easier if I read first.
Relative Pronouns: who, whom, which, that
(Note: The subordinate adjective clause is set off by commas.)