What is a run-on sentence and how can you fix it?

• A. A sentence that has two or more independent clauses joined by proper punctuation.
• B. A sentence that contains two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation; fix by adding punctuation or a conjunction.
• C. A sentence with a single clause.
• D. A sentence that has too many adjectives.

Answer: (B)

A run-on sentence happens when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or a connecting word. Each independent clause can stand alone because it has a complete subject and verb.

To fix it, you have a few solid options:

• Separate the two clauses with a period to make two sentences.

• Use a semicolon if the ideas are closely related.

• Join them with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

• or turn one clause into a dependent clause by adding a subordinating conjunction.

Example:

Incorrect: I went to the store I bought milk.

Correct: I went to the store, and I bought milk. or I went to the store; I bought milk. or I went to the store. I bought milk.

So the described fix is to add punctuation or a conjunction to properly link the independent clauses.