Run-on Sentences

Definition: Run-on sentences (sometimes called fused sentences) occur when two or more independent clauses have no punctuation separating them. Two independent clauses may properly be separated with a period, with a comma plus coordinating conjunction, or with a semicolon. Or one clause may be turned into a dependent clause with the addition of a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

1		The victory celebration lasted most of the evening several people continued to party until the middle of the following morning.
			A)	The victory celebration lasted most of the evening several people continued to party until the middle of the following morning.
			B)	The victory celebration lasted most of the evening, several people continued to party until the middle of the following morning.
			C)	The victory celebration lasted most of the evening and several people continued to party until the middle of the following morning.
			D)	The victory celebration lasted most of the evening, and several people continued to party until the middle of the following morning.
2		Texas has some of this country's most cosmopolitan cities Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin come to mind.
			A)	Texas has some of this country's most cosmopolitan cities, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin come to mind.
			B)	Texas has some of this country's most cosmopolitan cities: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin come to mind.
			C)	Texas has some of this country's most cosmopolitan cities Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin come to mind.
			D)	Texas has some of this country's most cosmopolitan cities and Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin come to mind.
3		We decided to move into an apartment because our house was too much work.
			A)	We decided to move into an apartment; because, our house was too much work.
			B)	We decided to move into an apartment because our house was too much work.
			C)	We decided to move into an apartment. Because our house was too much work.
			D)	We decided to move into an apartment, because our house was too much work.
4		Action movies always seem to predominate during the summer when it is hot outside, people must enjoy watching things blow up.
			A)	Action movies always seem to predominate during the summer, when it is hot outside; People must enjoy watching things blow up.
			B)	Action movies always seem to predominate. During the summer when it is hot outside people must enjoy watching things blow up.
			C)	Action movies always seem to predominate during the summer when it is hot outside, people must enjoy watching things blow up.
			D)	Action movies always seem to predominate during the summer. When it is hot outside, people must enjoy watching things blow up.
5		Rap music fascinates me it is a unique kind of poetic expression.
			A)	Rap music fascinates me, it is a unique kind of poetic expression.
			B)	Rap music fascinates me; in that it is a unique kind of poetic expression.
			C)	Rap music fascinates me. It is a unique kind of poetic expression.
			D)	Rap music fascinates me because it is unique. Kind of poetic expression.
6		Abraham Lincoln was president from 1861 until 1865 this period was filled with a national turmoil that we will probably never see again.
			A)	Abraham Lincoln was president from 1861 until 1865, a period filled with a national turmoil that we will probably never see again.
			B)	Abraham Lincoln was president from 1861 until 1865, this period was filled with a national turmoil that we will probably never see again.
			C)	Abraham Lincoln was president from 1861. Until 1865 this period was filled with a national turmoil that we will probably never see again.
			D)	From 1861 until 1865 Abraham Lincoln was president and this period was filled with a national turmoil that we will probably never see again.
7		Edit this passage to correct run-on sentences by choosing the correct revisions from the alternatives offered below each of the numbered exercises. The numbers in brackets [ ] identify each sentence. Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentences [1] - [3]?
			A)	Many musicians today are influenced by the music of Bob Marley. He sang about what was important to him, and other musicians were inspired by his music. Eric Clapton, for example, redid Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." This song became well known to people who had never heard of Bob Marley.
			B)	Many musicians today are influenced by the music of Bob Marley. He sang about what was important to him other musicians were inspired by his music. Eric Clapton, for example, redid Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" and this song became well known to people who had never heard of Bob Marley.
			C)	Many musicians today are influenced by the music of Bob Marley. Because he sang about what was important to him other musicians were inspired by his music. Eric Clapton, for example, redid Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff," and this song became well known to people who had never heard of Bob Marley.
8		Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentences [4], [5], and [6]? Show sentences again.
			A)	Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead redid "Stop the Train" with his other group, the Jerry Garcia Band [4]. The group Sublime has also covered some of Marley's songs. Other groups mention his name in their songs The Red Hot Chili Peppers, for example, refer to Marley as "a poet and a prophet" in their song "Give It Away."
			B)	Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead redid "Stop the Train" with his other group, the Jerry Garcia Band. The group Sublime has also covered some of Marley's songs. Other groups mention his name in their songs. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, for example, refer to Marley as "a poet and a prophet" in their song "Give It Away."
			C)	Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead redid "Stop the Train." With his other group, the Jerry Garcia Band. The group Sublime has also covered some of Marley's songs. Other groups mention his name in their songs, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, for example, refer to Marley as "a poet and a prophet" in their song "Give It Away."
9		Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentences [7] and [8]? Show sentences again.
			A)	In addition, Marley tried to convey important messages in his music he sang about everyday life and the difficulties that people go through. From his love songs to his songs of redemption, Bob Marley wanted to tell people that there is more to life than working every day.
			B)	In addition, Marley tried to convey important messages in his music. He sang about everyday life and the difficulties that people go through. From his love songs to his songs of redemption, Bob Marley wanted to tell people that there is more to life than working every day.
			C)	In addition, Marley tried to convey important messages in his music, he sang about everyday life and the difficulties that people go through. From his love songs to his songs of redemption, Bob Marley wanted to tell people that there is more to life than working every day.
10		Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentence [9]? Show sentences again.
			A)	He also wanted to expose people to injustices in the world. He sang about slavery and how it has affected so many different people although it has been over a century since slavery ended.
			B)	He also wanted to expose people to injustices in the world so he sang about slavery. And how it has affected so many different people although it has been over a century since slavery ended.
			C)	He also wanted to expose people to injustices. In the world he sang about slavery and how it has affected so many different people although it has been over a century since slavery ended.
11		Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentences [10] and [11]? Show sentences again.
			A)	He wanted people to know that treating others poorly because of skin color is wrong. He wanted to give positive messages to his listeners that being alive and happy was what Bob Marley was about.
			B)	He wanted people to know that treating others poorly because of skin color is wrong. He wanted to give positive messages to his listeners; being alive and happy was what Bob Marley was about.
			C)	He wanted people to know that treating others poorly because of skin color is wrong. He wanted to give positive messages. To his listeners being alive and happy was what Bob Marley was about.