Download RUN-ON CHECK - Hawaii Community College

RECOGNIZING RUN-ONS
Does the sentence sound as if it contains more than one complete thought? If so, check for a RO!
1. Identify all VERBS.
(Test sentence: “I can ___.” OR “I ___.”)
2. Identify all SUBJECTS.
(Test question: “Who/What ____ (does the verb?”)
3. Is there a spot(s) where the sentence can be divided into separate parts?
Yes
↓
No = No Run-On
4. Is each “part” a complete sentence?
Yes
↓
No = No Run-On
5. Check the punctuation at the spot where the parts are joined:
no punctuation? (fused)
comma only? (comma splice)
Yes
↓
Run-On
No → If the parts are joined by the following, the sentence is OK:
Period
Comma + coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
Semicolon
Semicolon + transitional word or phrase
 To correct a Run-On, combine the two complete sentences in any of the four ways above,
or make one part a dependent clause (incomplete sentence) by adding a subordinating
conjunction/pronoun.
Examples
Follow Steps 1-6 above to determine which sentences in the passage are run-ons. Underline the
verb/verb phrase and box the subject. If a sentence is a run-on, highlight it; then correct the
run-on.
Some parents and educators argue that requiring uniforms in public schools would improve
student behavior and performance. They think that uniforms give students a more professional
attitude toward school, moreover, they believe that uniforms help create a sense of
community among students from diverse backgrounds. But parents and educators should
consider the drawbacks to requiring uniforms in public schools.
Uniforms do create a sense of community, they do this, however, by stamping out
individuality. Youth is a time to express originality, it is a time to develop a sense of self. One
important way young people express their identities is through the clothes they wear. Of
course, it could be argued that the self-patrolled dress code of high school students is stricter
than any school-imposed code, nevertheless, trying to control dress habits from above will only
lead to resentment or to mindless conformity.
Possible corrections
Some parents and educators argue that requiring uniforms in public schools would improve
student behavior and performance. They think that uniforms give students a more professional
attitude toward school; moreover, they believe that uniforms help create a sense of
community among students from diverse backgrounds. But parents and educators should
consider the drawbacks to requiring uniforms in public schools.
Uniforms do create a sense of community. They do this, however, by stamping out
individuality. Youth is a time to express originality, a time to develop a sense of self. One
important way young people express their identities is through the clothes they wear. Of
course, it could be argued that the self-patrolled dress code of high school students is stricter
than any school-imposed code. Nevertheless, trying to control dress habits from above will only
lead to resentment or to mindless conformity.