English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Identify run-on sentences
Identify run-on sentences
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 8 adjectives in a given paragraph and correctly determine whether to use 'more' or 'most' to form the comparative or superlative form.
- Complete 10 sentences by accurately adding 'more' or 'most' to the correct adjective to show comparison, achieving at least 8 correct answers.
- Write 3 original sentences using adjectives with 'more' and 3 original sentences using adjectives with 'most' to describe different objects or situations.
- Explain the rule for using 'more' versus 'most' with adjectives in their own words, providing at least two examples of each.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a run-on sentence, including the two primary types: fused sentences and comma splices.
Differentiate between a grammatically correct long sentence (e.g., a complex sentence) and a run-on sentence.
Systematically identify the independent clauses within a given sentence to test its structure.
Analyze sentences for the correct use of punctuation and coordinating conjunctions between independent clauses.
Evaluate excerpts from literary texts and academic writing to locate and identify run-on sentences.
Apply structural analysis techniques to proofread their own research-based and analytical writing for run-on errors.
Ever read a sentence that just keeps going and going, leaving you breathless and confused before you even get to the point? 😵 That'...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words containing a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.The protagonist faced a moral dilemma.
Run-On SentenceA grammatical error where two or more independent clauses are joined improperly, without adequate punctuation or a suitable conjunction.The author uses heavy symbolism the reader must interpret it carefully.
Fused SentenceA specific type of run-on where two or more independent clauses are joined with no punctuation or conjunction at all.Odysseus was a clever hero his journey was long and difficult.
Comma SpliceA specific type of run-on where two or more independent clauses are joined with only a comma, which is not strong enough punctuation for this purpose.The research findings we...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Independent Clause Test
Find the subject-verb pairs. If you find two or more complete thoughts (independent clauses) that could stand alone as sentences, they must be joined correctly.
Use this test as your first step. Break the sentence down into its core components to see if you have more than one complete sentence mashed together.
The Punctuation-Conjunction Check
Two independent clauses must be joined in one of three ways: 1) with a comma and a FANBOYS conjunction, 2) with a semicolon, or 3) by making them separate sentences with a period.
After using the Independent Clause Test, apply this rule to the connection point. If the connection doesn't match one of these three valid patterns, it's a run-on.
The Comma Alone is a Red Flag
A comma by itself is...
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Challenging
Analyze the following sentence: 'While the council debated the new policy, which had far-reaching implications, the citizens waited anxiously, their patience was wearing thin.' What is the specific run-on error in this sentence?
A.comma splice between 'anxiously' and 'their'.
B.fused sentence between 'implications' and 'the'.
C.comma splice between 'policy' and 'which'.
D.There is no run-on error; it is a correctly structured complex sentence.
Challenging
A student wrote: 'Okonkwo's fear of failure is his driving motivation, it is the source of both his success and his ultimate tragedy.' Which revision best corrects the comma splice while also enhancing the analytical connection between the ideas?
A.Okonkwo's fear of failure is his driving motivation. It is the source of both his success and his ultimate tragedy.
B.Okonkwo's fear of failure is his driving motivation; this fear is the source of both his success and his ultimate tragedy.
C.Okonkwo's fear of failure is his driving motivation, and it is the source of both his success and his ultimate tragedy.
D.Okonkwo's fear of failure, his driving motivation, is the source of both his success and his ultimate tragedy.
Challenging
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct and NOT a run-on, despite its structure?
A.The data was collected, then it was analyzed.
B.The theme is clear, the author wants us to question authority.
C.He ran down the street, a blur of motion, a force of nature.
D.The conclusion is flawed, however, the premise is interesting.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Identify run-on sentences"?
Identify run-on sentences is a Grade 10 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Identify run-on sentences?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 8 adjectives in a given paragraph and correctly determine whether to use 'more' or 'most' to form the comparative or superlative form; Complete 10 sentences by accurately adding 'more' or 'most' to the correct….
Is "Identify run-on sentences" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with Identify run-on sentences?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.