Score: _____                Run-on Sentences Practice 1                Name: ____________________

A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without punctuation or without a coordinating conjunction.  Example: At first I wanted to be a doctor now I don't.  Three ways to correct a fused sentence are  1. Add a period after the first independent clause and capitalize the next word. At first I wanted to be a doctor. Now I don't. 2. Add a semicolon after the first independent clause. At first I wanted to be a doctor; now I don't. 3. Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction after the first independent clause.  At first I wanted to be a doctor, but now I don't.

Directions: For each sentence below, write RO if it is a run-on sentence or C if it is correct.

____ 1. Many young athletes want to play for professional leagues few actually succeed.

____ 2. I lost my train of thought did you find it?

____ 3. Laura was exhausted from hours of study however she made it to class on time.

____ 4. Dolphins have killed sharks they never attack humans.

____ 5. The shrimp was served with its head still on as a result, Mary lost her appetite.

____ 6. Mary's sister, however, ate the shrimp anyway.

____ 7. In later years, Mary developed a shrimp allergy, but her sister still enjoys shrimp.

____ 8. The roads were covered with ice therefore school was cancelled.

____ 9. The typewriter hummed loudly; consequently, I turned it off.

____10. If you understand what a fused sentence is, you will be able to proofread for them in your papers then you will be less likely to make such a mistake.