Writers Workshop: Writer Resources
Grammar Handbook: Fused Sentences, Run-ons, and Comma Splices
Fused Sentences
A fused sentence (also known as a run-on sentence) occurs when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or connecting word between them.
- It was close to fall the trees were losing their leaves.
Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma.
- It was close to fall, the trees were losing their leaves.
Six Ways to Eliminate Fused Sentences and Comma Splices
- Separate the clause into two sentences:
- It was close to fall. The trees were losing their leaves.
- Link the clauses with a semicolon:
- It was close to fall; the trees were losing their leaves.
- Link the clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction:
- It was close to fall, so the trees were beginning to lose their leaves.
- Recast the two independent clauses as one independent clause:
- It was the time of year when trees begin to lose their leaves.
- Recast one of the independent clauses as a dependent clause:
- Because it was close to fall, the trees were losing their leaves.
- Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (also, anyway, besides, furthermore, incidentally, moreover, otherwise, and thus) or a transitional expression (after all, by the way, for example, in other words, and on the other hand) placed between independent clauses:
- It was close to fall; consequently, the trees were losing their leaves.