Grammar Handbook: Fused Sentences, Run-ons, and Comma Splices

The Center for Writing Studies, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

:: Fused Sentences
A fused sentence (also known as a run-on sentence) occurs when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or connecting word between them.

It was close to fall the trees were losing their leaves.
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:: Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma.

It was close to fall, the trees were losing their leaves.
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:: Six Ways to Eliminate Fused Sentences and Comma Splices

1. Separate the clause into two sentences:

It was close to fall. The trees were losing their leaves.

2. Link the clauses with a semicolon:

It was close to fall; the trees were losing their leaves.

3. Link the clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction:

It was close to fall, so the trees were beginning to lose their leaves.

4. Recast the two independent clauses as one independent clause:

It was the time of year when trees begin to lose their leaves.

5. Recast one of the independent clauses as a dependent clause:

Because it was close to fall, the trees were losing their leaves.

6. Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (also, anyway, besides, furthermore, incidentally, moreover, otherwise, and thus) or a transitional expression (after all, by the way, for example, in other words, and on the other hand) placed between independent clauses:

It was close to fall; consequently, the trees were losing their leaves.
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