The definition of a Run-on(Comma splice): A sentence that has two or more thoughts or ideas in a single sentence.
One important thing to keep in mind when writing a proper sentence is how easy a Run-on can be fixed.
The three easy ways to fix a Run-on sentence:
1) Using a period[.] - You can place a period in between two separate ideas to form independent thoughts.
Example) Joanna is my best friend. She is also 18 years old.
2) Semicolon[;] - A Semicolon is a special little tool you can use that go between two complete thoughts.
Example) My name is Taylor; I'm 18 years old.
3) Using the Comma + The FANBOYS[For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So] - The job of the FANBOYS is to relate the two thoughts to each other.
Example) Ballet is a classic form of dance, and it has been performed for centuries.
The three easy ways to fix a Run-on sentence:
1) Using a period[.] - You can place a period in between two separate ideas to form independent thoughts.
Example) Joanna is my best friend. She is also 18 years old.
2) Semicolon[;] - A Semicolon is a special little tool you can use that go between two complete thoughts.
Example) My name is Taylor; I'm 18 years old.
3) Using the Comma + The FANBOYS[For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So] - The job of the FANBOYS is to relate the two thoughts to each other.
Example) Ballet is a classic form of dance, and it has been performed for centuries.
Here is a funny example on how a comma can change the mood of a sentence.
Let's eat grandpa.
This sentence without the comma is pretty much saying "Let's" as in we'll, eat grandpa.
We might know that this isn't what the writer meant, but without the comma the sentence by itself takes on its own meaning.
Now to save grandpas life all we have to do is add a comma in between Let's eat and grandpa.
Now that the sentence read "Let's eat, grandpa." We're no longer talking about eating grandpa. Instead we're asking grandpa if he wants to eat with us!
Let's eat grandpa.
This sentence without the comma is pretty much saying "Let's" as in we'll, eat grandpa.
We might know that this isn't what the writer meant, but without the comma the sentence by itself takes on its own meaning.
Now to save grandpas life all we have to do is add a comma in between Let's eat and grandpa.
Now that the sentence read "Let's eat, grandpa." We're no longer talking about eating grandpa. Instead we're asking grandpa if he wants to eat with us!
Now that we have a better understanding of how they make a proper sentence; Why don't you give it a try!
Example 1) My cat is 7 years old he is very old.
Example 2) I love my mom she is the best cook in the universe.
Example 3) We didn't invite them they've always hated to drive at night.
Example 1) My cat is 7 years old he is very old.
Example 2) I love my mom she is the best cook in the universe.
Example 3) We didn't invite them they've always hated to drive at night.
The cheat sheet!
Example 1) My cat is 7 years old; He is very old.
The reason why we use the Semicolon here is because "My cat is 7 years old" is the first thing we know about this cat. "He is very old." is information that is followed by the previous information.
Example 2) I love my mom, and she is the best cook in the universe.
In this example we used the good old fashioned comma, along with the FANBOYS to make this a complete sentence. We do this because "I love my mom" is one statement, but adding "and she is the best cook in the universe." makes these two separate thoughts fit in with each other.
Example 3) We didn't invite them because they've always hated to drive at night.
For example Three we us "because" pretty much to act as our FANBOYS, "because", relates these two ideas into one thought.
Example 1) My cat is 7 years old; He is very old.
The reason why we use the Semicolon here is because "My cat is 7 years old" is the first thing we know about this cat. "He is very old." is information that is followed by the previous information.
Example 2) I love my mom, and she is the best cook in the universe.
In this example we used the good old fashioned comma, along with the FANBOYS to make this a complete sentence. We do this because "I love my mom" is one statement, but adding "and she is the best cook in the universe." makes these two separate thoughts fit in with each other.
Example 3) We didn't invite them because they've always hated to drive at night.
For example Three we us "because" pretty much to act as our FANBOYS, "because", relates these two ideas into one thought.