Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when independent clauses are not joined properly.

You can fix a run-on sentence by using a semicolon, a period, or a conjunction.

A semicolon (;) is used to separate independent clauses.

Every sentence must begin with a capital letter.

This is a run-on sentence because it contains two independent clauses that are not properly joined.

You can correct it by adding a semicolon: "Happiness is the key to success; if you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

"I love to read I go to the library every week." This is a run-on sentence.

You can fix it by using a semicolon: "Springfield has three lights; they are red."