Avoiding Run-Ons

Sentences, Fragments, and Run-Ons

By Jessica Tomaselli

​Sentences

Sentences need to have a subject and a verb.

They need to have an independent clause.​

​

Ex: I aced that vocabulary quiz.​

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Fragments

Not a complete sentence.

It could be missing a subject or a verb or it ​could have a subordinating conjunction in front of it.

​

Except writing sentences.​

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Subordinating Conjunctions

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​Run-ons

A run-on sentence results from two or more complete sentences being connected without any punctuation.

​

I like multiple choice questions I do well on them.​

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Choice

I have never seen so many drummers in one place at the same time!

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

We have finished reading the Declaration of Independence we will start studying the Bill of Rights next week.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

The crystal clear river that runs through our town.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

The boys, terrified by the strange noises but afraid to turn on their flashlights.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

My family seldom eats strawberries my brothers are allergic to them.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

As the woman walked down the dusty street.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Did you tell me that you had already read this book?

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

If we hurry, we’ll be on time, don’t forget the tickets!

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Despite a lack of evidence, Ned still believed that Matt had broken the window.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

We’ll put away the clean clothes and straighten the living room, then we’ll vacuum the rug.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

This homework is just too frustrating; I think I’ll take a walk and come back to it later.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

The farmhouse in the country.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Does anyone have Samantha’s new phone number, I think she moved last week?

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

The paintings in the gallery.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Your uncle is certainly a talented magician. Has he been practicing for many years?

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Which are especially difficult to perform, both clever and amazing.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

We are still late for school even though we got up early.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

I did not know that newborn giraffes were so big, that one is taller than I am!

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Do you remember when the squirrels got into our attic last fall?

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Put the bread in the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes.

• Fragment

• Run-on

• Complete Sentence