Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

When it comes to grammar and mechanics, not all errors are created equal. Sometimes, a missing comma after an introductory phrase or a sentence ending in a preposition can easily be read over without any disruptions.

Other errors, however, have the potential to cause serious problems for the reader. They could misunderstand your ideas or get so frustrated they just stop reading entirely.

Two of the most serious writing errors are comma splices and run-on sentences.

This resource helps you understand what this error is and how to fix it.

Watch the Video

Tips for Practicing

There are worksheets you can complete (called “drills”) to get better at identifying run-on sentences and comma splices. Research has shown, though, that most writers have a hard time really mastering the skill through that kind of practice.

The best way to get better at finding, correcting, and eventually avoiding run-on sentences and comma splices is to work on correcting them in your own writing on your own drafts.

If there aren’t any run-on sentences or comma splices to correct, then this probably isn’t an issue you need to worry about.

If you frequently get feedback on your paper that points out run-on sentences and comma splices, then it’s time to spend some energy on this.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t click right away. Also, don’t try to work on correcting too many different kinds of errors at once. Work on one or two at a time. Once you find yourself able to easily fix (or avoid) those, then move on to another one.

Explore it Further

Sometimes grammar and mechanics rules need to be explained a few different ways to really click into place. (They’re kind of like math, in that way.)

Here are some resources on comma splices and run-on sentences (sometimes called “fused sentences”) that might help if you want more information.