Two of the most common punctuation mistakes in student writing are the run-on sentence and the comma splice.
Run-On Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are connected in a sentence without the proper punctuation. Here is an example of a run-on sentence:
Incorrect:
- Paul got an “F” on his essay he used poor sources that were full of incorrect information.
This is a run-on sentence because there are two complete, independent clauses but no punctuation. Therefore, we must add punctuation and/or change the sentence by adding or removing words
Corrected:
- Paul got an “F” on his essay; he used poor sources that were full of incorrect information.
- Paul got an “F” on his essay because he used poor sources that were full of incorrect information.
- Paul got an “F” on his essay with poor sources that were full of incorrect information.
Comma Splices
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