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engbites1English Bites! are practical, bite-sized tips to help you improve your English for work. Published twice a week, the articles include useful advice covering different aspects of business English including grammar, vocabulary, writing, speaking as well as fun topics. It'll take just a few minutes to read each tip. You can subscribe to English Bites! from the Newsletters link above. After that, you'll receive notifications of all new tips by email.

How to Fix Run-on Sentences

16 May 2024

buswriting

Run on sentences are two independent sentences that run together and can often be confusing to a reader. Here are a few tips to avoid them.

Run-On Sentence

Paul wrote that he was aware of the situation it has been a problem for several months.

To correct, add a semi-colon* or full stop before it.

*Note: You can use a semi-colon in place of a full stop when the second independent clause is closely related to the first independent clause.

Revised

Paul wrote that he was aware of the situation. It has been a problem for several months.

Or

Paul wrote that he was aware of the situation; it has been a problem for several months.

 

Run-On Sentence

Mary has authority to sign the form however she’s out of town for six weeks.

To correct, add a semi-colon or full stop before however.

Revised

Mary has authority to sign the form. However, she’s out of town for six weeks.

Or

Mary has authority to sign the form; however, she’s out of town for six weeks.
 

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