iPhones gave us the ability to edit messages, but errors still pop up. It’s nothing like sending “Tgats true” to a person you’re just beginning to know. If they don’t have an iPhone, you can’t fix that mistake. Luckily, autocorrect usually catches blatant typos like that. But it doesn’t catch one of the biggest issues: run-on sentences.
Run-on sentences are a buzzkill. They’re confusing. So, if you’ve been hesitant to text because of this, let’s take a look. When you level up your writing, you level up your circle. Business deals are done in writing, and so is relationship-building through text. So, here’s what a run-on sentence looks like and how to fix it. Also, this article includes some exercises, along with an answer key.
Identifying and Fixing Run-On Sentences
A run-on happens when two independent clauses are mashed together incorrectly. As a note, an “independent clause” can be thought of as a complete sentence. It’s like speaking without taking a breath. Below are some examples of run-on sentences and how to fix them.
Incorrect: “I like you I want to see you again.”
Correct: “I like you. I want to see you again.”
As you see, “I like you I want to see you again.” has two independent clauses: “I like you.” and “I want to see you again.”
Thinking of it another way, “I like you.” is a complete sentence. “I want to see you again.” is also a complete sentence. You can fix the run-on by making two separate sentences. Let’s look at another example:
Incorrect: “I’m busy tonight I can’t make it.”
Correct: “I’m busy tonight. I can’t make it.”
In the above example, there are two sentences, as you see. You fix the run-on by adding a period to make two sentences. For some, that example may sound like it’s missing something. So, let’s look at another run-on sentence. This time, we will fix it using a different strategy.
Incorrect: “You looked good today I forgot to tell you.”
Correct: “You looked good today, but I forgot to tell you.”
In the above example, we used a comma and the word “but” to connect the two sentences. The words “and”, “for,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet” and “so” are conjunctions. They can be used in combination with a comma to fix a run-on sentence. Here are some examples:
Incorrect: “I like your laugh it feels good to hear it.”
Correct: “I like your laugh, and it feels good to hear it.”
In the sentence above, the comma and conjunction bring the two independent clauses together. This makes the sentence grammatically correct. Here’s another example:
Incorrect: “I eat fish I don’t eat pork.”
Correct: “I eat fish, but I don’t eat pork.”
By adding the comma and conjunction in the above sentence, you build a strong, clear sentence that has no errors. Are you ready to put your knowledge to use? Go ahead below.
Read the sentences below. Then, add the period where it’s needed.
- I want to go the weekends work best for me.
- I went home I got in bed.
- Thanks for the text I feel the same way.
- I love your voice I want to hear it.
Add the comma and conjunction “but” or “and” where needed in the sentences below.
- My day is going well it would be better with you.
- We can go to the gym we can go to dinner.
- I can come over I can’t stay long.
- I want dinner I don’t want to see the movie.
How did you do? Check your answers using the attached PDF Answer Key.
The Takeaway
Run-on sentences can disrupt relationships and business deals, but they’re easy to fix. You can break a run-on sentence into two separate sentences using a period. However, if the clauses are related, you can connect them using a comma and conjunction. So, send that text. Build stronger relationships through polished communication. Words matter.
This has been A Lover’s Break. FOLLOW Jermaine Reed, Jermaine Reed, MFA for more writing tips that make sense.
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