Run on Sentences and

Comma Splices

Run on Sentence

When you have two (or more) independent ideas with no punctuation and

connecting words.

Short Clip• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-hhC_

hXyM

Example 1

Amanda has a good job she never has to worry about money.

Revised• Amanda has a good job, so she never has to

worry about money.

Added a CONJUNCTION: is a part of speech that connects words, sentences, or phrases

• Amanda has a good job; she never has to worry about money.

Semi colon: joins two different ideas

Example 2

From the second story came a cry for help firefighters rushed into the burning building.

Revised

From the second story came a cry for help, and firefighters rushed into the burning building.

Example 3

First, we made sure the people in the accident were safe then we called the police.

Revised

First, we made sure the people in the accident were safe, and then we called the police.

Example 4: don’t be afraid to break

apart your sentences!

Orville and Wilbur Wright had a bicycle-making business in Ohio they loved  experimenting with flying machines they built the Wright Flyer in 1903.

Revised• Revised: Orville and Wilbur Wright had a

bicycle-making business in Ohio; they loved  experimenting with flying machines. They built the Wright Flyer in 1903.

• OR Orville and Wilbur Wright had a bicycle-making business in Ohio, and they loved  experimenting with flying machines. They built the Wright Flyer in 1903.

Comma Splice

When you connect 2 independent ideas together with just a

comma.

Short Clip 2• https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=PLAU8LsRR6k

Example 1

The fans in the soccer stadium pushed forward, people began to panic.

What needs to be added?A conjuction (a connecting word)]A PeriodOR a semi-colon

Revised

The fans in the soccer stadium pushed forward, and people began to panic.

Example 2I completed my English essay, now I must go to the library and begin research at once on my fifteen-page History term paper.

I completed my English essay. Now I must go to the library and begin research at once on my fifteen-page History term paper.

Example 3

The sun is high, put on some sunblock.

Revised

The sun is high, so put on some sunblock.

Handout

Fill in the punctuation, capitols, and connecting words where needed.