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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Run-On Sentence Practice Quiz

Improve clarity and punctuation with guided practice

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 6
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting Run-On Sentence Showdown, a trivia quiz for high school students.

Which of the following best describes a run-on sentence?
A sentence that has a missing subject.
A sentence that wrongly connects independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
A sentence that uses too many adjectives.
A sentence that is too long.
Option B is correct because a run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined improperly, creating confusion. The other options describe issues that do not pertain to run-on sentence construction.
Identify the run-on sentence among the following options:
I love reading books; my brother prefers movies.
He finished his homework he went out to play.
They studied for the test and felt confident.
She went to the store, and she bought milk.
Option C is correct because it strings together two independent clauses without any punctuation or coordinating conjunction, which is the hallmark of a run-on sentence. The other sentences are properly punctuated.
Which punctuation mark, when used correctly, can separate two independent clauses to fix a run-on sentence?
Period
Colon
Comma only
Exclamation point
Option B is correct because a period properly separates two independent clauses into distinct sentences. Using only a comma can lead to a comma splice, which is a type of run-on error.
Which sentence below is correctly punctuated to fix a run-on error in this example: 'I love to read I don't have enough time'?
I love to read, I don't have enough time.
I love to read; I don't have enough time.
I love to read I don't have enough time.
I love to read, and I don't have enough time.
Option C is correct because the semicolon properly separates the two independent clauses, thus correcting the run-on error. The other options either maintain the run-on error or use a comma incorrectly.
Which of the following is a common indicator of a run-on sentence?
Wrong verb conjugation.
Overuse of adjectives.
Missing punctuation between independent clauses.
Misplaced commas.
Option C is correct because run-on sentences typically occur when independent clauses are not properly separated by punctuation. The other issues mentioned do not specifically indicate a run-on error.
Which of the following options correctly fixes a comma splice in this sentence: 'She writes novels, he creates illustrations'?
She writes novels? He creates illustrations.
She writes novels, he creates illustrations.
She writes novels he creates illustrations.
She writes novels; he creates illustrations.
Option B is correct because replacing the comma with a semicolon correctly separates the two independent clauses. The other options either do not resolve the error or introduce new punctuation issues.
In the sentence 'The rain poured down the street the thunder roared loudly', which revision best maintains the sentence flow while correcting the run-on error?
The rain poured down the street The thunder roared loudly.
The rain poured down the street, and the thunder roared loudly.
The rain poured down the street, thunder roared loudly.
The rain poured down; because the thunder roared loudly.
Option A is correct because it uses a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction 'and' to properly join the independent clauses without altering the intended flow. The other options either leave the error uncorrected or change the meaning.
Which revision best corrects the run-on sentence: 'I finished my exam I went out for a walk'?
I finished my exam but I went out for a walk.
I finished my exam; I went out for a walk.
I finished my exam, I going out for a walk.
I finished my exam, I went out for a walk.
Option B is correct because the semicolon properly separates the two independent clauses, thereby correcting the run-on sentence. The other options leave errors such as comma splices or grammatical mistakes.
What is an independent clause as it relates to run-on sentences?
A phrase that lacks a subject and a verb.
A dependent clause that modifies an independent clause.
A group of words functioning as an adjective.
A complete sentence that can stand alone because it contains a subject and a predicate.
Option B is correct because an independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. Recognizing independent clauses is essential for identifying and correcting run-on sentences.
Which of the following best corrects the run-on sentence 'It started to rain we decided to cancel the picnic'?
It started to rain we decided, to cancel the picnic.
It started to rain, so we decided to cancel the picnic.
It started to rain; because we decided to cancel the picnic.
It started to rain, we decided so to cancel the picnic.
Option A is correct because inserting a comma followed by the conjunction 'so' effectively separates the two independent clauses while preserving the intended meaning. The other options either fail to correct the run-on or interrupt the sentence structure.
Which punctuation mark is correctly used to join two related but complete thoughts?
Colon
Comma
Dash
Semicolon
Option B is correct because a semicolon is the appropriate punctuation mark to join two closely related independent clauses. The other options do not accurately fulfill this role.
What is a comma splice?
Joining two independent clauses with a comma without a coordinating conjunction.
Using a comma before a subordinate clause.
Using a comma to separate elements in a list.
Placing a comma after an introductory phrase.
Option B is correct because a comma splice specifically occurs when two independent clauses are joined solely by a comma. The other options describe correct usages of commas in different contexts.
Which revision best corrects the run-on sentence: 'My friend loves to ski she visits the mountains every winter'?
My friend loves to ski. She visits, the mountains every winter.
My friend loves to ski and she visits, the mountains every winter.
My friend loves to ski, she visits the mountains every winter.
My friend loves to ski; she visits the mountains every winter.
Option B is correct because using a semicolon properly separates the two independent clauses. This revision eliminates the run-on error while maintaining the original meaning of the sentence.
Which strategy can effectively correct a run-on sentence?
Remove the subject from one clause.
Combine independent clauses without any punctuation.
Convert all verbs to past tense.
Insert an appropriate punctuation mark or a coordinating conjunction between the clauses.
Option B is correct because adding proper punctuation or a coordinating conjunction between independent clauses directly addresses the error that causes run-on sentences. The other options do not resolve the underlying issue.
Why is it important to fix run-on sentences in writing?
They result in the misuse of adjectives.
They always convey incorrect subject-verb agreement.
They make writing more ambiguous and difficult to understand.
They make sentences shorter and less descriptive.
Option A is correct because run-on sentences can confuse readers by improperly blending multiple thoughts, making the writing ambiguous. Correct punctuation ensures clarity and improves reader comprehension.
When correcting a run-on sentence that contains multiple independent clauses, what is a recommended strategy?
Break the sentence into shorter sentences or use semicolons to separate closely related ideas.
Combine all clauses into a single long sentence without any punctuation.
Remove all conjunctions between the clauses even if it alters the meaning.
Randomly insert commas between words until the sentence feels balanced.
Option B is correct because breaking a long sentence into shorter, clearer sentences or using semicolons improves clarity and corrects the run-on error. The other options either worsen the structure or do not address the error logically.
What is the primary difference between a fused sentence and a comma splice?
A fused sentence properly connects clauses with a coordinating conjunction, while a comma splice does not.
A fused sentence attaches a dependent clause to an independent clause, while a comma splice combines two independent clauses.
A fused sentence has no punctuation between independent clauses, while a comma splice uses only a comma to join them.
A fused sentence uses a semicolon, whereas a comma splice uses a period.
Option A is correct because it clearly distinguishes that a fused sentence joins independent clauses with no punctuation, while a comma splice attempts to join them with only a comma. This nuance is essential for understanding and correcting run-on errors.
In complex sentences with multiple clauses, what is a key factor to check to avoid run-on errors?
Using only semicolons between every clause regardless of clause type.
Ensuring that each subordinate clause has a comma before it regardless of its function.
Removing all commas to simplify the sentence structure.
Verifying that all independent clauses are properly separated by appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, while subordinate clauses are not over-separated.
Option B is correct because it emphasizes the importance of correctly punctuating independent clauses without misapplying rules to subordinate clauses. This careful differentiation helps in avoiding run-on sentences while preserving sentence complexity.
How can a writer maintain rhetorical style when correcting run-on sentences?
By ignoring grammar rules to keep the original style intact.
By converting independent clauses into subordinate clauses regardless of meaning.
By varying punctuation and sentence structure, such as using semicolons, dashes, or commas with conjunctions, to preserve rhythm while ensuring grammatical correctness.
By replacing all punctuation with periods, resulting in choppy sentences.
Option B is correct because it shows that a writer can choose from various punctuation methods to preserve the intended style and rhythm while still ensuring clarity and correctness. The other options either disrupt the flow or break grammatical rules.
Which revision best corrects the run-on sentence: 'Julie planned her weekend trip she booked a hotel and reserved a car'?
Julie planned her weekend trip. Booked a hotel and reserved a car.
Julie planned her weekend trip, she booked a hotel, and reserved a car.
Julie planned her weekend trip and booked a hotel reserved a car.
Julie planned her weekend trip; she booked a hotel and reserved a car.
Option A is correct because the semicolon properly separates the independent clauses, resolving the run-on issue while retaining the sentence's meaning. The other revisions introduce comma splices, fragments, or jumbled phrasing.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze sentence structures to identify run-on errors.
  2. Understand punctuation and conjunction rules to separate independent clauses.
  3. Apply editing techniques to correct run-on sentences.
  4. Evaluate written sentences for grammatical clarity and coherence.
  5. Demonstrate improved self-editing skills in rewriting problematic sentences.

Run On Sentence Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand run‑on sentences - Run‑on sentences happen when two or more complete thoughts cram together without the proper punctuation or a connecting word, making your writing feel jumbled. For example, "I love to write music is my passion" leaves your reader gasping for a pause. Spotting them is your first step to smooth, readable prose! GeeksforGeeks: Avoid Run‑Ons
  2. Learn the two run‑on types - Fused sentences smash independent clauses together with no punctuation, while comma splices use just a comma and no coordinating conjunction. Both tricks might seem harmless, but they trip up readers and weaken your style. Recognizing these villains makes defeat feel effortless! GeeksforGeeks: Fused vs. Splice
  3. Fix with periods, semicolons, or FANBOYS - You can split run‑ons into separate sentences with a period, link closely related clauses with a semicolon, or add a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) after a comma. Each choice tweaks the rhythm and emphasis of your writing. Play around to see which feels right! Purdue OWL: Run‑On Solutions
  4. Use subordinating conjunctions - Introduce words like because, although, or since to turn one independent clause into a dependent clause, then attach it to your main idea. This transforms clunky run‑ons into clear, complex sentences that flow. It's like giving your thoughts a VIP pass to coherence! NIU Writing Tutorial
  5. Handle conjunctive adverbs with care - Words such as however, therefore, and moreover need a semicolon before and a comma after when they join two full sentences. Ignore this rule and you'll end up with a sly run‑on in your ranks. Master these adverbs and you'll wield them like a pro! CliffsNotes: Run‑On Rules
  6. Read aloud to catch run‑ons - If you're sprinting through a sentence and find yourself out of breath or losing your place, chances are it's a run‑on. Hearing your words helps you feel where natural pauses belong. Turn on the performance mode and give your writing a reality check! UNR Writing Center
  7. Remember FANBOYS - The coordinating conjunctions for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so - FANBOYS - are your best friends when joining independent clauses. Use a comma + one of these to keep ideas linked with the proper gear. A quick mental checklist keeps your sentences on track! UW Waterloo: FANBOYS Guide
  8. Embrace semicolons - When two independent clauses are so closely related you don't want a full stop, a semicolon is your superhero. It ties thoughts together with style and clarity - just don't forget there's no comma needed! Show off your semicolon savvy to make your writing sparkle. NIU Writing Tutorial
  9. Dodge the comma splice trap - Slapping a comma between two sentences without a coordinating conjunction creates a comma splice - one of the sneakier run‑on forms. If your comma feels lonely, pair it with a FANBOYS word or swap it for a period. Keep commas in line, and your prose will stay crisp! UW Waterloo: Comma Splices
  10. Review and revise regularly - Editing is where run‑ons meet their match. A quick scan for overly long sentences or missing connectors can transform muddled paragraphs into polished gems. Make this habit part of your writing routine and watch clarity soar! Writing Commons: Avoid Run‑Ons
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