Run-On Sentence Definition with Examples in AP English Essays

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔍 A run-on sentence is two or more independent clauses that are not joined correctly.
• 🔗 There are two main types: fused sentences (no punctuation) and comma splices (only a comma).
• ✏️ Correct them by adding a period, semicolon, coordinating conjunction (with a comma), or subordinating conjunction.
• 💡 Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS): For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
• 📝 Subordinating conjunctions: Although, Because, Since, While, If, When, etc.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a run-on sentence?
   1. A. The dog barked, and the cat hissed.
   2. B. The sun was shining brightly.
   3. C. I went to the store I bought milk.
   4. D. Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.
2. How can you correct a comma splice?
   1. A. Add a comma.
   2. B. Add a semicolon.
   3. C. Remove the subject.
   4. D. Add a preposition.
3. Which of the following sentences correctly uses a coordinating conjunction to fix a run-on?
   1. A. I was tired, I went to bed.
   2. B. I was tired I went to bed.
   3. C. I was tired, so I went to bed.
   4. D. I was tired; I went to bed.
4. Identify the run-on sentence in the options below:
   1. A. She likes to read, and he likes to write.
   2. B. They went to the park, but it started to rain.
   3. C. The movie was long it was boring.
   4. D. After the game, we went out for pizza.
5. Which method is NOT a proper way to correct a run-on sentence?
   1. A. Adding a semicolon.
   2. B. Adding a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
   3. C. Breaking it into two separate sentences.
   4. D. Adding a comma only.
6. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence:
   1. A. He ran fast he won the race.
   2. B. He ran fast, he won the race.
   3. C. He ran fast; he won the race.
   4. D. He ran fast, but he won the race.
7. Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction correctly to fix a run-on sentence?
   1. A. I will go I am ready.
   2. B. I will go, I am ready.
   3. C. Because I am ready, I will go.
   4. D. I will go; I am ready.