How to Fix Run-on Sentences: Techniques for 6th Grade ELA

📚 What is a Run-on Sentence?

A run-on sentence is when two or more complete thoughts (independent clauses) are joined together without proper punctuation or connecting words. It's like trying to squeeze too much into one sentence!

📜 A Little History

Understanding sentence structure has been important in writing for centuries. As language evolved, so did the rules for clarity. Run-on sentences have always been frowned upon because they make it harder for readers to follow the writer's train of thought. Clear writing is effective writing!

🔑 Key Principles for Fixing Run-on Sentences

• 🛑 Use a Period: Separate the clauses into two distinct sentences.
• 🤝 Add a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction: Use words like 'and,' 'but,' 'or,' 'nor,' 'for,' 'so,' or 'yet' (FANBOYS) after the comma.
• ✍️ Use a Semicolon: Join closely related independent clauses.
• ✏️ Create Complex Sentences: Use subordinating conjunctions (like 'because,' 'although,' 'if,' 'when') to turn one of the clauses into a dependent clause.

💡 Real-World Examples and How to Fix Them

Let's look at some run-on sentences and how to correct them:

Run-on: I went to the store I bought milk.

• 🛑 Fixed with a Period: I went to the store. I bought milk.
• 🤝 Fixed with a Comma and Conjunction: I went to the store, and I bought milk.
• ✍️ Fixed with a Semicolon: I went to the store; I bought milk.

Run-on: It was raining the game was canceled.

• 🛑 Fixed with a Period: It was raining. The game was canceled.
• 🤝 Fixed with a Comma and Conjunction: It was raining, so the game was canceled.
• ✏️ Fixed with a Subordinating Conjunction: Because it was raining, the game was canceled.

✔️ Practice Quiz

Identify and correct the run-on sentences:

1. The dog barked loudly it scared the cat.
2. I like to read books they are fun.
3. She studied hard she got a good grade.
4. The sun was shining we went to the park.
5. He plays the guitar she sings along.

Answer Key:

1. The dog barked loudly. It scared the cat. OR The dog barked loudly, and it scared the cat.
2. I like to read books. They are fun. OR I like to read books because they are fun.
3. She studied hard, so she got a good grade. OR She studied hard; she got a good grade.
4. The sun was shining, so we went to the park. OR The sun was shining. We went to the park.
5. He plays the guitar, and she sings along. OR He plays the guitar; she sings along.

✅ Conclusion

Spotting and fixing run-on sentences is a key skill for clear and effective writing. By using periods, commas with conjunctions, semicolons, or subordinating conjunctions, you can make your sentences easy to understand and improve your overall writing skills. Keep practicing, and you'll master this skill in no time!