Sentence Combining

Every sentence is built from two halves. Work through each one, then test it on the line.

A run-on (a fused sentence) runs two independent clauses together with no punctuation and no joining word. Because each clause is complete on its own, the reader loses the boundary between the two thoughts. Fix it by joining the clauses correctly or by writing two sentences.

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with just a comma and no conjunction. A comma marks a pause, not a full join, so on its own it cannot connect two complete thoughts. Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma, or use a semicolon or a period.

There are two correct ways to join independent clauses: a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (the FANBOYS) builds a compound sentence; a subordinating conjunction makes one clause dependent and builds a complex sentence. A semicolon can also join two closely related independent clauses. Each is a real join, unlike a run-on or a comma splice.