Mastering Run-On Sentences: A Guide for Middle School Students

Mar 26

3 min read

Updated: Apr 6

Understanding Run-On Sentences

Example: “Light travels faster than sound that’s why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.”

The most common mistake student writers make is writing a run-on sentence. This error is significant because a complete sentence is a basic requirement in grammar and usage.

You might be surprised to learn that many adults, especially those who don't teach, struggle to believe that run-on sentences are a common issue for students beyond second or third grade. They often say, “Kids learn to put a period at the end of a sentence in first grade!”

Yes, that's true! However, carelessness can take over. Unfortunately, many teachers don’t hold students accountable for writing complete sentences. When students aren't required to use what they've learned, correct usage often falls by the wayside.

Example: “There’s one good thing about egotists they don’t talk about other people.”

Run-on sentences are not just picky grammar mistakes. They are very noticeable and can harm your message. The good news? They are easy to spot and fix.

How to Identify Run-On Sentences

At Beyond Words Learning, we offer a targeted lesson called “Run-On Sentences: How to Avoid Them, How to Fix Them.” This lesson teaches you how to spot and avoid these errors. It also describes three effective ways to fix run-on sentences, complete with numerous examples and practice exercises.

The Importance of Complete Sentences

Why are complete sentences so important? Well, they help convey your thoughts clearly. When you write in complete sentences, your readers can understand your message without confusion.

Think about it. Have you ever read something that was so jumbled that you had to read it multiple times? Frustrating, right? That’s what run-on sentences can do to your writing. They can muddle your ideas and make it hard for your audience to follow along.

Tips for Avoiding Run-On Sentences

Read Your Sentences Aloud: Hearing your writing can help you catch mistakes. If you find yourself out of breath, it might be time to break that sentence into smaller parts.
Use Punctuation Wisely: Commas, periods, and conjunctions are your friends. They can help you separate ideas and clarify your message.
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, writing takes practice. The more you write and review your work, the easier it becomes to spot run-on sentences.

Fixing Run-On Sentences

Now that you know how to identify run-on sentences, let’s discuss how to fix them. Here are three methods:

Separate into Two Sentences: If a sentence is too long, consider breaking it into two shorter sentences. For example, change “I love reading I do it every day” to “I love reading. I do it every day.”
Use a Comma and a Conjunction: You can also connect two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction (like "and," "but," or "or"). For instance, “I love reading, and I do it every day.”
Use a Semicolon: If the two clauses are closely related, a semicolon can work. For example, “I love reading; I do it every day.”

Practice Makes Perfect

This mistake is easy to avoid if you review the lesson. Like most grammar skills, it takes a little thought to practice the skill the first few times. But after that, it becomes effortless.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering run-on sentences is crucial for effective writing. By understanding how to identify and fix these errors, you can improve your writing skills significantly. Remember, writing is a journey. With practice and patience, you’ll become a confident writer.

So, are you ready to tackle run-on sentences? Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!