ESL Writing: Run-on Sentences (lesson and worksheet)

This ESL writing lesson introduces students to run-on sentences and how to correct them, after which several run-on sentences are presented for the students to rewrite and correct.

 

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Run-on Sentences: Introduction

A run-on sentence is when two complete sentences are put together without correct punctuation (a comma or period, for example). You should avoid run-on sentences when you write!

Example:

• • We went to the beach it was a lot of fun. (run-on sentence)

This is actually two sentences: We went to the beach. and It was a lot of fun. To correct this, you can add a period:

> We went to the beach. It was a lot of fun. (Right!)

Or you can add a conjunction (and / but / so / because) between the sentences. (Note: With “and/but/so” you need to use a comma (,), but with “because” you usually don’t need a comma.)

> We went to the beach, and it was a lot of fun. (Right!)

> We went to the beach because it is a fun place to go. (Right!)

 

• • John is sick he hasn’t gone to the doctor. (run-on sentence)

> John is sick. He hasn’t gone to the doctor. (Right!)

> John is sick, but he hasn’t gone to the doctor. (Right!)

 

• • I didn’t finish my homework the teacher is not happy with me. (run-on sentence)

> I didn’t finish my homework. The teacher is not happy with me. (Right!)

> I didn’t finish my homework, so the teacher is not happy with me. (Right!)

 

Rewrite these run-on sentences using a period (.) or a conjunction (and / but / so / because). (See page 76 for sample answers.)

 

1. I was late to school the teacher didn’t notice.

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2. I want to live in California the weather is nice there.

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3. My dad ate all the ice cream I can’t have any for dessert.

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4. Doctors are important they help sick people.

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