WRITING CENTER "INFORMATION PICK-UP" (S.S.C.C.)
RUN-ONS AND COMMA SPLICES:
• WHAT ARE RUN-ONS?
• WHAT ARE COMMA SPLICES?
• HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY RUN-ONS AND COMMA SPLICES?
• PRACTICE
• WHAT ARE RUN-ONS?
Run-ons are sentences which consist of at least two independent clauses which are "run together" into one sentence--something like a train wreck in which two (or more) train cars run into another.
Examples:
The boy did around-the-worlds with his yo-yo he tangled the string.
The cruise was relaxing, the food was good, the weather was warm around the Hawaiian islands.
We are not playing Axis and Allies today, we don't have the time.
Esquire magazine puts out a special fiction issue it is one of the most widely-read ones.
Run-ons may be corrected with the use of proper end sentence punctuation; use of a semi-colon to connect the two parallel construction independent clauses; or a comma with a coordinate conjunction (and, or, but, for, nor, so, yet).
• WHAT ARE COMMA SPLICES?
Comma splices are run-ons which consist of two or more independent clauses connected with a comma.
Examples of Comma Splices (Run-ons):
I am not going to the garage tonight, the weather feels too chilly.
We have to read Why Grace Changes Everything before Monday, our teacher won't be happy with us if we don't.
You sure take a lot of risks to pursue drag racing, why don't you find another less risky hobby?
• HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY RUN-ONS AND COMMA SPLICES?
Identify the subjects and verbs in each sentence. Make sure that each independent clause has its own end punctuation.
• PRACTICE
Directions: Correct the punctuation of the following comma splices and run-ons. Use the appropriate punctuation, or a conjunction with a comma. You may also separate out the sentences with a period.
Example: Lorraine is a doctor she makes little money because she volunteers for half-time at the low-income medical clinic.
Answer: Lorraine is a doctor. She makes little money because she volunteers for half-time at the low-income medical clinic.
OR: Lorraine is a doctor; she makes little money because she volunteers for half-time at the low-income medical clinic.
OR: Lorraine is a doctor who makes little money because she volunteers for half-time at the low-income medical clinic.
OR: Lorraine is a doctor, but she makes little money because she volunteers for half-time at the low-income medical clinic.
1. The team dissolved during negotiations, no agreement had been reached.
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2. Caryn borrowed my $300 black wool coat last winter she has never returned it.
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3. Foreign students want to study abroad to widen their experiences their opportunities for full-funding are few
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4. Going on a long trip is fun but traumatic, it has always been so for me.
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5. Whenever she does her laundry, she takes up the whole table the other customers dislike her selfish actions.
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6. The scientist's short-term memory was poor he kept copious notes of every occurrence and observation.
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7. Pesticides are found on many fruits and vegetables all fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before they're consumed.
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8. He suffered from acute psoriasis this skin disease causes red splotches and itching.
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9. The beauty shop features a new translucent green gel it seems to fit your style.
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10. The job market is sluggish, it has to pick up now that it has already hit bottom.
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11. The new book showed readers how to use the Internet it will be a useful addition to any modern library.
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12. The comedian appeared on the late show he could not be watched by many young children.
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13. The music course covered songs from every continent in the world it was an amazing multi-cultural and global course.
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14. The matinee show costs $3.50, the regular show costs $7 per ticket.
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15. She counted the money in her wallet, she did not have enough to pay the cabby.
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16. He had a heart attack while jogging paramedics rushed him to the hospital.
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17. Dennis is a philosopher at heart, he finds lessons in every aspect of his life.
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18. The Paramount Theatre was torn down to make way for a large skyscraper, the developers planned to have their project completed in 3 years.
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19. The gossip columnist was sued for libel, it cost her $100,000 to settle out of court.
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20. The family chose a puppy from the animal shelter, they named it Chocolate.
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21. The movie remake did poorly at the box office, no one wanted to see a poor repeat of the classic.
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22. The cashier rang up the sales the total was $50.04.
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23. When he found that his wallet was gone, he rushed to the nearest pay phone to call home to see if he'd left it there, he did not have his calling card with him though.
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24. Giordi could not control himself, he bought and ate 3 doughnuts.
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25. The newspaper delivery person threw the Sunday Seattle Times, it landed in the wet shrubbery.
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Directions: One way to correct run-ons is to use a semi-colon OR a semi-colon with a conjunctive adverb.
Rewrite the 2 sentences in each of the following problems into one whole sentence using a semi-colon or a semi-colon with a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, also, as a result, consequently, finally, for example, furthermore, in addition, indeed, in fact, instead, meanwhile, nevertheless, of course, still, then, thus). Make sure that your choices are appropriate.
Do not use other solutions which do not include semi-colons.
Example: I can sing a solo song.
I can dance a brief jig.
Answer: I can sing a solo song; I can dance a brief jig. (Other answers could be appropriate as well.)
26. The fireman performed CPR.
The patient began to respond.
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27. The house security system sounded the silent alarm.
Police arrived in minutes.
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28. The carpet is tan.
The furniture is light brown.
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29. Doris reserved the restaurant for the party.
She arranged for floral displays.
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30. The sun came out.
The beach became crowded.
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31. Violence has become a society-wide problem.
People should all take part to stop it.
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32. Job-hunting is an art.
Job-hunters need to study resume-writing, professional dress, interview techniques, and self-confidence.
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33. Third world nations have many needs--medical, economic, technological, housing, educational, and others.
They have few resources to meet those needs.
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34. Aging will take its toll on us all.
Exercise may slow the process a little only.
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35. Frank's lifelong hobby has been collecting international stamps.
His collection includes thousands of albums.
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36. Speed-skating is a world sport.
It is one of the most dangerous sports in the world.
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37. The mosque was torn down by angry rioters.
The rioters were arrested for their actions.
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38. Aging often involves facing up to life's disappointments.
Some of life's disappointments may never be rectified or corrected.
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39. Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions.
Something should be done about it.
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40. The election results are back.
They are disappointing.
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41. The astronomy course was difficult.
It confused those who had weak science backgrounds.
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42. The governor made a speech about welfare reform.
He was greeted with jeers and hoots.
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43. The musicians played through their greatest hits.
They brought the crowd to a standing ovation.
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44. The construction workers built the house in several months.
They had created an architectural wonder.
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45. She wanted to attend the wedding.
She canceled two meetings and a dinner date so she could go.
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46. The Americorps volunteer worked at the youth homeless shelter.
She felt that her skills would be better-used there.
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47. The snow really hampered traffic.
People could not get through to their various destinations.
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48. The student was manipulative.
He made it a point to compliment his instructor as often as possible.
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49. Her friends planned a surprise birthday party.
They had planned for weeks.
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50. Strange shouts came from the street.
Neighbors opened their curtains to look.
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(Revised 1998)