Avoiding Run-On Sentences

Name ______Date ______Periods ______

Power Point presentation Notes –

I. What is a complete sentence?

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II. What is a fragment?

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III. What is a run-on sentence?

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IV. What are the three run-on traps?

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V. Freeing trapped run-ons?

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Three words--it, then, and therefore--cause many run-on sentences. Because each of these words refers back to the preceding idea, people often think that they continue the same sentence. Run-on sentences are the result.
IT
Run-on: The meeting was long, it lasted until midnight.
Corrections: The meeting was long. It lasted until midnight.
The meeting was long; it lasted until midnight.
THEN
Run-on: We changed the tire, then we continued on our way.
Corrections: We changed the tire. Then we continued on our way.
We changed the tire; then, we continued on our way.
THEREFORE
Run-on: My line broke, therefore the fish got away.
Corrections: My line broke. Therefore the fish got away.
My line broke; therefore, the fish got away.

PART I - Directions: Correct each of the eleven run-on sentences below.

1. The English system of measurement is used in the United States, it is not widely used elsewhere.

2. Most countries use the metric system, all scientists use it to record experiments.

3. Scientists need a uniform system of measurement, this system enables them to communicate easily with one another.

4. American students are gradually being taught the metric system, then in a few years it will be adopted officially.

5. Although learning two systems may seem confusing at first, it is necessary.

6. We are used to measuring in quarts, pounds, and feet, therefore we think thisfamiliar system is easier.

7. Units of the metric system can be divided by ten, this is what makes the systemso easy to use.

8. A meter is equal to about 39 inches, therefore it is a little longer than a yard.

9. A meter can be divided into 100 equal parts, each one is called a centimeter.

10. If you compare an inch and a centimeter, then you will see that an inch is equal toabout two and a half centimeters.

11. The English system measures weight in ounces and pound, the metric systemmeasures it in grams and kilograms.

12. The prefix kilo-- comes from the Greek word chilioi, which means “thousand.”

13. When scientists measure the volume of a liquid, they use the liter, not the quart, asthe unit of measurement.

14. A liter can be divided into 1,000 equal parts, each part is a milliliter.

15. Someday you will learn about these measurements then they will all make sense.

PART II - Directions: On the blank line after each word group, write an independent clause beginning withthe word printed in parentheses. Add connectors and proper punctuation and capitalization as necessary.

Example: The car got a flat tire. Then the battery died. ( then )

16. Sue unwrapped the gift ______( it )

17. First we meet at my house ______( then )

18. Dogs are intelligent ______( they )

19. I live far from school ______( therefore )

20. Joan was in the living room ______( she )

21. The house is old ______( it )

22. Some came by bus ______( others )

23. I got two issues of the magazine ______( then )

24. I opened the front door ______( there )

25. I read the questions quickly ______( therefore )

PART III - Directions: Write S in the blank before each simple sentence. Write C before each compoundsentence. Write R-O before each run-on sentence. Then fix the run-on sentences.

_____1. Florida and Georgia are the only southern states I’ve visited.

_____2. Skating and skiing are Aaron’s favorite cold weather sports.

_____3. Turn right at the stop sign, go left at the corner.

_____4. Six inches of snow are predicted, I’d better find my boots.

_____5. Both Kuma and Angie enjoy hiking and backpacking.

_____6. Try it, you’ll like it.

_____7. Liam had a solo in last year’s concert; he hopes to have one this year, too.

_____8. Niabi plays both the oboe and the piano and plays them very well.

_____9. George didn’t study for the test, but he still got a good grade.

_____10. Lately, all of my clothes seem too small.

_____11. The meal ended with carrot cake and tea, then we played cards.

_____12. Why do I have to clean my room and the bathroom?

_____13. I lost my old cell phone, therefore I need a new one.

_____14. We went to the reptile house, and later we say the pachyderms.

_____15. I always agree with Marta, and Marta always agrees with me.

_____16. The shelves are filled with books, but I can’t find one I want.

_____17. Tia can’t come over she has to baby-sit.

_____18. Conserve resources, use them wisely.

_____19. Please be kind to Amy; she needs a friend right now.

_____20. Should I take the bus to school, or should I walk?

_____21. Rain canceled the game, it is rescheduled for next week.

_____22. Beth went to the doctor’s, then she went back to school.

_____23. The storm blew down a tree on our street, but there was no damage.

_____24. We have a new system for recycling at home, however we never use it.

_____25. Don’t use a stapler, use paper clips.

_____26. Look for Jeff and Dominic in the crowd.

_____27. Yoko’s aunt lives in California, her uncle lives in Arizona.

_____28. A canoe is not as stable as a row boat be careful not to tip.

_____29. Terry has just moved here and doesn’t know anyone yet.

_____30. The accident ruined the car, fortunately no one was seriously hurt.

PART IV - Directions: Correct the run-on sentences in the following paragraph.

Ms. Rossi was a very busy lawyer therefore her work left her little time to exerciseher dog Sonny, who was getting fat and sluggish. Something had to be done. Abrilliant idea struck her mind. Since Sonny raced around the apartment whenever thephone rang, she would dial her number several times a day. As she did this oneafternoon, the receiver clicked, she heard strange noises at the other end. She calledSonny’s name there were several sharp yips. She let her office friends listen, theymarveled at what they heard. After this had continued for several days, she went home early one day, saying that she had a headache. She asked the telephone operator toring her number. A moment later she heard a key in the door, it was the apartmentmanager entering her apartment. Ms. Rossi hid behind a drape. The manager pickedup the receiver, then he yipped and barked. He confessed that Ms. Rossi’s friends atthe office had urged him to play this trick on her.