Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_sentpr.html
(accessed 11.19.06;
lightly edited by js 11.19.06)
Run-ons,
comma splices, and fused sentences are all names given to compound sentences
that are not punctuated correctly. The best way to avoid such errors is to use
one or the other of these rules:
1.
Join the two independent clauses with one of the coordinating conjunctions
(and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet), and use a comma before the connecting word.
_________________________, and _________________________.
(He
enjoys walking through the country, and he often goes backpacking on his
vacations.)
2.
When you do not have a connecting word (or when you use a connecting word other
than and, but, for, or nor, so, or yet between the two independent clauses) use
a semicolon (;).
__________________________;_____________________________.
(He
often watched TV when there were only reruns; she preferred to read instead.)
or
__________________________;
however,____________________.
(He
often watched TV when there were only reruns; however, she preferred to read
instead.)
Thus,
run-ons and fused sentences are terms describing two independent clauses that
are joined together with no connecting word or punctuation to separate the
clauses.
Incorrect: They weren't dangerous criminals they were detectives
in disguise.
Correct: They weren't dangerous criminals; they were
detectives in disguise.
Incorrect: I didn't know which job I wanted I was too confused
to decide.
Correct: I didn't know which job I wanted, so I was too
confused to decide.