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How to Fix a Run-on Paragraph

A readable and well-written essay or article is separated into segments of information known as paragraphs. Run-on paragraphs are segments that are too long. They confuse and exhaust the reader as he works his way through the paper. Take the time to look over your work so it is clear, concise and properly organized. Work to eliminate run-on paragraphs by systematically examining the parts of your paper.

Things You'll Need

  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Colored markers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rewrite all the sentences in the paragraph so they are in list form, with space between each sentence. If you have a very large paragraph, use a pen to mark a vertical line separating each sentence.

    • 2

      Examine each sentence in the list or paragraph to fix run-on sentences. Run-on sentences are two independent sentences with no punctuation between them. An example is "I have two dogs I have two cats." Fix this to read, "I have two dogs. I have two cats." You can also add "and/or" to correct sentences.

    • 3

      Use different colored pens to highlight and group like sentences together to decide which should remain in the paragraph. Sentences that are part of a single idea create one paragraph. If the topic or idea changes, a new paragraph should begin. If a sentence does not belong in any group, mark a line through it and exclude it from consideration.

    • 4

      Rewrite a new paragraph with the grouped sentences that fit a similar idea. Transfer the other group of sentences to form a second and third paragraph. Re-read to confirm the sentences flow together and read well.

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