A run-on sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction. (A run-on is sometimes called a fused sentence)
Writers who make this mistake try to pass two or more sentences off as one.
Example Run-on Sentences
I loved the movie I can’t wait to watch it again.
I love chocolate I eat way too much.
The rain has finally stopped let’s go play some ball.
Fixing a Run-on Sentence:
Use a period to separate the independent clauses:
I loved the movie. I can’t wait to watch it again.
Use a semicolon to join the independent clauses:
I loved the movie; I can’t wait to watch it again
Use punctuation and a conjunction to connect the independent clauses:
I loved the movie, and I can’t wait to watch it again.
I love chocolate, but I eat way too much.
I love chocolate; however, I eat way too much.
The rain has finally stopped, so let’s go play some ball.
Why Are Run-on Sentences a Problem?
Run-on sentences distract your readers in a couple of ways.
First, readers who know the established boundaries of a sentence will notice the error and be momentarily distracted from your message.
Second, A run-on sentence can make it impossible for readers to understand how your ideas relate to one another. For example, take a look at the following run-on sentence:
I loved the Avengers movie it had an absurd amount of action.
When we look at our options for fixing this run-on sentence, it becomes clear that the fix depends on the writer’s intended meaning:
I loved the Avengers movie, even though it had an absurd amount of action. (Here, the writer loved the movie, despite the over-the-top action.)
I loved the Avengers movie because it had an absurd amount of action. (Here, the absurd level of action is the reason the writer loved the movie.)
I loved the Avengers movie; however, it had an absurd amount of action. (Here, the second clause qualifies the statement made in the first clause, creating a more moderate assessment of the movie)
Humorous Run-on Sentences
John already ate Gabriel hasn’t eaten yet.
Bill slept in the alarm clock never went off.
How would you correct the following run-on sentences?
The bus arrived early the driver must be in a hurry.
The milk was left out overnight now it’s spoiled.
I want to go to the movies how about you?