Run-on Sentences

A run-on sentence contains at least two independent clauses that have been joined without
proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Run-on: I asked her to bring soft drinks she did not.
There are three possible cures:
1. Separate the run-on into two sentences with a period.
I asked her to bring soft drinks. She did not.
2. Separate the clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction.
I asked her to bring soft drinks, but she did not.
3. Separate the clauses with a semicolon.
I asked her to bring soft drinks; she did not.
Example Problems
Is this sentence a run-on?
1. The bookcase is full we need another one.
Answer: Yes. This sentence has two independent clauses without a proper join.
2. The monkeys in the primate house at the zoo have learned that they can manipulate zoo
visitors into giving them carrots.
Answer: No. Length does not determine whether a sentence is a run-on. This sentence
has only one independent clause. The subject is monkeys; the verb is have learned.
Work Problems
Correct any sentence that is a run-on.
1. A thunderstorm is coming and it might have lightning we should go inside.
2. Medieval cathedrals often used stained glass windows to tell stories to those who could
not read.
3. An octopus swam through the water coral reefs were all around.