A sentence is a run-on sentence when it has two or more complete thoughts that are run together without correct punctuation between them.
We have to work overtime on Saturday we are behind schedule.
Sometimes a run-on sentence connects two or more complete thoughts with the word and.
We need to work Saturday and we need to get back on schedule as soon as possible and then we can go back to working a regular workweek.
Once you’ve identified a run-on sentence, you must then decide how to fix it. Here are four ways to correct a run-on sentence:
1. Separate two thoughts with end punctuation. Capitalize the first word of the second sentence.
2. Use a semicolon to separate two related thoughts.
3. Insert a word that explains how two thoughts are related.
4. Use a comma between two complete thoughts and add a conjunction, or connecting word, such as: and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet.
I paid off my credit card debt. Then I went ahead and charged a new computer.
I paid off my credit card debt; then I went ahead and charged a new computer.
We have to work overtime on Saturday because we are behind schedule.
We are behind schedule, so we have to work overtime on Saturday.