Sunday Writing Tip: A Do Run, Run

How Run-On Sentences Swallow Your Writing

Coming at ya a day early!

We’ve all encountered them—those sentences that seem to stretch on forever, tumbling over themselves with ideas, leaving us gasping for breath like we just ran a marathon with no punctuation to catch us.

Yes, we’re talking about run-on sentences.

What Is a Run-On Sentence?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are improperly joined without the right punctuation or conjunctions.

Example:
🚫 I love writing I write every day it makes me happy.

That sentence is technically correct in terms of meaning, but structurally? A mess. It forces readers to unravel ideas instead of presenting them clearly.

How Run-Ons Conflate (a Fancy Word for Muddle) Your Writing

When sentences run on unchecked, they:

• Confuse readers

• Obscure meaning

• Make your writing feel rushed or unpolished

It’s like stuffing a suitcase for vacation without rolling your clothes neatly—it might all fit, but good luck finding your toothbrush.

But don’t worry! There’s an easy fix.

How to Fix a Run-On

There are three easy ways to fix a run-on sentence:

1. Break it up (Use a period)

   • I love writing. I write every day. It makes me happy.

2. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)

   • I love writing, and I write every day because it makes me happy.

3. Use a semicolon (Great for connecting closely related ideas)

   • I love writing; I write every day because it makes me happy.

Wait… Can Run-Ons Be Good?

Surprisingly, yes! When used intentionally, run-on sentences can:

• Mimic rapid thought or excitement

• Create a breathless, urgent rhythm

• Show a character’s frantic state of mind

Example of effective use:
I ran through the alley, my breath sharp in my chest, my legs burning, the sound of footsteps growing closer, I couldn’t stop, I wouldn’t stop, not until I was safe.

Here, the run-on builds tension, mirroring the character’s panic.

A Funny Run-On to Close With

Ever seen a run-on that got completely out of hand? Here’s a classic:

"I started writing a sentence and I had a point but then I got distracted because I remembered I needed to do laundry and oh no did I leave the oven on and wait what was I saying again?"

Run-ons can swallow your writing—but if you use them wisely, they can also add voice, tension, and style. So go forth and punctuate responsibly!

Want a great cheat sheet?

✨ Paid subscribers get exclusive access to:

• A downloadable cheat sheet on punctuation tricks every writer should know.