How to Fix Run-on Sentences in Writing

What are run-on sentences?

Run-on sentences can confuse your readers and weaken the impact of your writing. They happen when multiple ideas are crammed into one sentence without proper punctuation or connection.

Why avoid run-on sentences?

1. Clarity: Run-ons make your ideas harder to understand.
2. Readability: Long, unbroken sentences can overwhelm readers.
3. Professionalism: Clear, concise sentences look more polished.

Tips to avoid run-on sentences

1. Read aloud: If a sentence feels too long, it might be a run-on.
2. Look for multiple subjects and verbs: More than one pair may indicate multiple clauses.
3. Use simple sentences: Break down complex ideas into shorter, clearer sentences.

Example run-ons and fixes

• Run-on: The sun was shining we decided to have a picnic.
  Fixed: The sun was shining, so we decided to have a picnic. ✔
• Run-on: I missed the bus I had to walk to work.
  Fixed: I missed the bus, so I had to walk to work. ✔
• Run-on: His dog is friendly it loves playing with children.
  Fixed: His dog is friendly. It loves playing with children. ✔
• Run-on: She wanted to call her friend she couldn’t find her phone.
  Fixed: She wanted to call her friend, but she couldn’t find her phone. ✔
• Run-on: We visited the museum the exhibits were fascinating.
  Fixed: We visited the museum, and the exhibits were fascinating. ✔
• Run-on: He cleaned the house it took him three hours.
  Fixed: He cleaned the house, and it took him three hours. ✔
• Run-on: The car broke down we had to take a taxi.
  Fixed: The car broke down, so we had to take a taxi. ✔

Improving your writing by avoiding run-on sentences makes your ideas shine and keeps your readers engaged.

See also:

• The Grammar of Run-on Sentences