What best describes a run-on sentence and how is it fixed?

• A. A sentence that is missing a subject.
• B. A sentence that runs on with too many independent clauses; fix with a period, semicolon, or appropriate conjunction.
• C. A sentence that is only a fragment.
• D. A sentence that uses passive voice.

Answer: (B)

A run-on sentence happens when two independent clauses—each with its own subject and verb and able to stand alone as a sentence—are jammed together without proper punctuation or a conjunction. To fix it, separate the ideas with a period, connect them with a semicolon, or join them with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) plus a comma.

For example, you can rewrite a fused pair as: "I finished my homework. I went for a walk." or "I finished my homework, and I went for a walk." or "I finished my homework; I went for a walk." Using just a comma to link two independent clauses is a comma splice and is not correct. This concept helps you recognize when a sentence is trying to carry more than one complete thought without the proper tapers.