What is a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence is when a writer combines two or more independent clauses (complete sentences) into one sentence without the appropriate connecting words or punctuation; this type of sentence is grammatically incorrect.

Example of a grammatically incorrect, run-on sentence: I sat at the back of the room the presenter stood at the front.

Here you have two independent clauses that are not separated by proper punctuation, so this sentence is a run-on sentence.

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence:

I sat at the back of the room. The presenter stood at the front.

A compound sentence is what you get when you combine two or more independent clauses together with a conjunction ("and," "or," "but") or a semicolon:

I sat at the back of the room, but the presenter stood at the front.

I sat at the back of the room; the presenter stood at the front.

Additional Resources:

• View more examples of general sentence elements.
• See more tips and guidelines on how to avoid run-on sentences and fragments.
• View the webinar series "Mastering the Mechanics of Writing" for more tips on how to use strong and grammatically correct sentences.
• Check out the Writing Center's self-paced grammar modules.

Further Questions?

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