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A Run-on sentence (sometimes called a "fused sentence") has at least two parts, either one of which can stand by itself (in other words, two independent clauses), but the two parts have been smooshed together instead of being properly connected.

It is important to realize that the length of a sentence really has nothing to do with whether a sentence is a run-on or not; being a run-on is a structural flaw that can plague even a very short sentence:

Example: The sun is high, put on some sun block.

When two independent clauses are connected by only a comma, they constitute a run-on sentence that is called a comma-splice. The example just above is a comma-splice. When you use a comma to connect two independent clauses, it must be accompanied by a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so).

The sun is high, so put on some sunscreen.

Run-on sentences happen typically under the following circumstances:

1) When an independent clause gives an order or directive based on what was said in the prior independent clause:

This next chapter has a lot of difficult information in it, you should start studying right away.
(We should put a period where that comma is and start a new sentence. A semicolon might also work there.)

2) When two independent clauses are connected by a transitional expression (conjunctive adverb) such as however, moreover, nevertheless.

Kyle has made a good web-site, however, he has sacrificed his health working day and night on it. (Again, where that first comma appears, we could have used either a period — and started a new sentence — or a semicolon.)

3) When the second of two independent clauses contains a pronoun that connects it to the first independent clause.

This computer doesn't make sense to me, it came without a manual.

(Although these two clauses are quite brief, and the ideas are closely related, this is a run-on sentence. We need a period where that comma now stands.)

Most of those computers in the Learning Assistance Center are broken already, this proves my point about American computer manufacturers.

Again, two nicely related clauses, incorrectly connected — a run-on. Use a period to cure this sentence.

Practice - Fix these run-on sentences.

1) Paola leads a charmed life she never seems to have a serious accident.

2) The airport is about to shut down because of the snow and if the plane doesn't land soon it will have to go on to Boston.

3) The show begins at 7:30 make sure you're there before 7:15.

4) Kyle always knew his way around the woods this is something he could always depend on.

5) Having prepared himself well for the realtor exams and having exhausted everyone in the family with his requests that someone help him with the true-and-false drills, Jeffrey, who had never been a particularly good student in high school, knew he was ready to take on the greatest challenge of his life.

6) Throughout history money and religion were closely linked there was little distinction between government and religion.

7) The head of state and the religious leader were often the same person all power rested in one ruler.

8) These powerful leaders decided what objects would serve as money their backing encouraged public faith in the money.

9) Coins were minted of precious metals the religious overtones of money were then strengthened.

10) People already believed the precious metals to be divine so their use in money intensified its allure.