Our second of six rules on sentence structure to avoid sentence fragments and run-on sentences:

2. Eliminate comma splices (two sentences connected with only a comma) and run-on sentences (two sentences fused without punctuation).

Examples:
We finished the annual report, we submitted it to the stockholders. (comma splice)
We finished the annual report and we submitted it to the stockholders.  (run-on sentence)

Comma splices and run-on sentences can be corrected in the following ways:

• Connect the sentences with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, yet) preceded by a comma.
  Example: We finished the annual report, and we submitted it to the stockholders.
• Connect the sentences with a semicolon.
  Example: We finished the annual report; we submitted it to the stockholders.
• Make two separate sentences.
  Example: We finished the annual report. We submitted it to the stockholders.
• Subordinate one of the sentences. That is, make it a clause that modifies the other sentence.
  Example: After we finished the annual report, we submitted it to the stockholders.

To comment on this topic, visit our Business Writing Tips Forum.

This edition was adapted from our Business Grammar Program.

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