# How to Fix Run-On Sentences (With Help From AI)

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## Table of contents

- [What Are Run-On Sentences?](/content/blog/fixes-for-run-on-sentences#what-are-run-on-sentences/index.html)
- [How to Identify a Run-on Sentence](/content/blog/fixes-for-run-on-sentences#how-to-identify-a-run-on-sentence/index.html)
- [Why Fixing Run-On Sentences Is So Important](/content/blog/fixes-for-run-on-sentences#why-fixing-run-on-sentences-is-so-important/index.html)
- [Four Simple Ways to Fix a Run-On Sentence](/content/blog/fixes-for-run-on-sentences#four-simple-ways-to-fix-a-run-on-sentence/index.html)
- [Four Strategies to Avoid Long Sentences](/content/blog/fixes-for-run-on-sentences#four-strategies-to-avoid-long-sentences/index.html)

I don't know if you've ever gotten criticism about using run-on sentences as a child, but I sure have.

Now that I am a professional editor, I can tell you the good news: avoiding run-on sentences is easy, you just need a bit of practice.

In this article, I’ll share how you can use AI, plus some additional tips, to make sure your content stays short and to the point.

## What Are Run-On Sentences?

Technically, a run-on sentence is a specific grammatical error where you include more than one **independent clause** without the use of both **a comma** and **a** **coordinating conjunction** to separate them.

I'll explain the technical terms in the next section. But first, let’s see a run-on sentence example.

_There is a hole in my bucket, Liza will fix it._

This is a common type of run-on called a **comma splice**. A less common example is the **fused sentence**, below.

_Henry is clueless he won’t be able to do it._

You might also see any sentence that is extremely long, confusing, and complicated called a run-on sentence. While these might not fit the technical definition of run-on sentences, they can still be an issue. Any sentence that is lengthy and hard to pick apart can slow readers down and leave them missing your point.

## How to Identify a Run-on Sentence

To fix a run-on sentence, you first need to know how to spot one.

Run-on sentences include more than one independent clause connected without the correct punctuation and conjunctions. But what is an independent clause?

In English, a **clause** is a part of a sentence that includes two things:

- A **subject:** a person, place, or thing that is performing an action (in bold below).
- A **verb:** an action (underlined below).

Clauses that are also complete sentences are **independent clauses**.

- _the_ **_ball_** _rolled_
- **_Dee_** _shoves her brother_
- **_it_** _was raining_

Clauses that are designed to add context to another part of a sentence are **dependent clauses**.

- _as the_ **_ball_** _rolled_
- _when_ **_Dee_** _shoves her brother_
- _before_ **_it_** _was raining_

Note the addition of [dependent marker words](https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/independent_and_dependent_clauses/index.html) at the beginning of the sentence. These words turn a complete sentence into a phrase that describes something about how _something else_ is happening. You may notice that dependent clauses feel like unfinished pieces of information. Here, we’re left wondering, _what happens when Dee shoves her brother?_

If you’re trying to figure out whether your sentence is a run-on, see if it fits these criteria: _‍_

1. There is more than one subject-verb pair.

2. You can cut these phrases into separate sentences without feeling like something's missing.

3. You are missing a comma, a coordinating conjunction ( _for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)_ or both.

In the [Wordtune editor](https://app.wordtune.com/editor/), grammar errors are underlined in red. If you see an error, check these criteria to discover if it's a run-on.

## Why Fixing Run-On Sentences Is So Important

If they just represent several complete sentences smashed together, why bother correcting run-on sentences?

The most important reason to fix your run-ons is to improve readability. Punctuation exists partly to enable readers to get your message as clearly and easily as possible. As people often skim articles rather than reading them closely, the correct commas and conjunctions can signal to them when to pay attention. Long sentences, or those that run together, risk readers zoning out and missing important details.

Plus, in most academic and professional contexts, proper punctuation signals to your audience that you are knowledgeable, reputable, and trustworthy. You’re essentially demonstrating that you are educated, able to follow professional industry standards, and willing to put in the effort to polish your work.

## Four Simple Ways to Fix a Run-On Sentence

Now that you can identify them, here are some examples of how to fix run-on sentences.

### 1. Split it into two sentences.

The simplest way to fix a run-on is to separate the two independent clauses into two single sentences.

❌ _She likes to play soccer, she also likes to swim._

✔️ _She likes to play soccer. She also likes to swim._

### 2. Add one of the other punctuation marks that separate complete sentences.

There are three more punctuation options for adding a long pause between complete sentences: the em dash ( **—** ), the semicolon ( **;** ), and the colon ( **:** ). These show [varying degrees of relatedness between the two clauses](https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/punctuation/colons-semicolons-and-dashes.html), so choose one that fits.

❌ _There's a hole in my bucket, Liza will fix it._

✔️ _There's a hole in my bucket; Liza will fix it._

❌ _Henry can't do it he is clueless._

✔️ _Henry can't do it_ **_—_** _he is clueless!_

❌ _Henry can’t do it he doesn’t know how to use a saw._

✔️ _Henry can’t do it: he doesn’t know how to use a saw._

### 3. Add a coordinating conjunction and a comma.

If you don’t already have one, add a comma between the two clauses. After the comma, you must also include one of the coordinating conjunctions. There are only seven coordinating conjunction options, so if you aren’t sure what to add, think of the acronym FANBOYS:

- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So

Each of these affects the meaning of the sentence, so choose one that complements what you want to say.

❌ _Mitzy sat on her pillow, a spider scared her away._

✔️ _Mitzy sat on her pillow, but a spider scared her away._

### 4. Check your grammar with Wordtune.

If you're writing in the Wordtune editor and notice a run-on sentence, place your cursor over the red-underlined phrase and Wordtune will suggest some options for fixes. It may also suggest more complex sentences with dependent clauses. You can edit these to fit your writing style while keeping correct grammar in mind.

## Four Strategies to Avoid Long Sentences

Even if they aren’t technically run-on sentences, lines with lengthy combinations of clauses and parentheticals are likely to confuse readers and be a drag to read.

You may want to rephrase if your sentence takes up more than two or three lines on a Google doc, Word Doc, or browser app. On a mobile device, break up sentences of more than three or four lines. More than four or five punctuation marks in a sentence could also signify that shortening is needed.

Once you’ve determined your sentence is too long, here are a few ways to slash your word count.

### 1. Cut the fluff.

Fluffy writing is when your sentence includes many words that don’t contribute to the overall meaning. Repetition, wordy clichés, extra connector words, passive voice, and unneeded interjections can all be culprits.

Reread your sentence to check if every word is strictly necessary. Are you saying the same thing twice?

### 2. Focus on powerful verbs.

Robust verbs can boost sentences by making them more impactful with fewer words.

If you find yourself using the bland verb _to be_ a lot — its many forms include _is_, _are_, _was_, and _were_— look for another action word hiding in your sentence that could become the main verb instead.

### 3. Check your punctuation.

If you have a long sentence that includes many clauses, commas, or coordinating conjunctions (remember the FANBOYS), try taking out some of the clauses to see if they could become a new sentence. It can help to pick out phrases already separated from the rest of the sentence by commas or parentheses.

### 4. Use Wordtune's “Shorten” function.

In the [Wordtune editor](/content/?utm_campaign=BrandSearch&ad_set_name=Wordtune&utm_source=google-search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BrandSearch&ad_set_name=Wordtune&utm_term=wordtune&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncamCjzcEICmU4F4uwBlDCSNloIqrO7zPPFiBz1UNH-k-qUdrCdewWhoCiLMQAvD_BwE/index.html), highlight your too-long sentence and select “Shorten.” Wordtune will then provide you with a list of alternative sentences. Keeping correct grammar in mind when you use this tool is useful, as this will help you to select and tweak the option that best supports your style and meaning.