English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Is it a complete sentence or a run-on?
Is it a complete sentence or a run-on?
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a complete sentence and a run-on sentence.
Identify the subject and predicate in a simple sentence.
Distinguish between a complete sentence and a run-on sentence.
Identify run-on sentences in a paragraph.
Correct a run-on sentence by creating two separate sentences with a period.
Correct a run-on sentence by using a comma and a conjunction (e.g., and, but, so).
Have you ever read a sentence that just keeps going and going and doesn't seem to stop for a breath? 🏃♂️ Let's learn why that happens!
In this lesson, we will become Sentence Detectives! We'll learn the difference between a complete sentence, which is a full thought, and a run-on sentence, which smashes too many thoughts together. Knowing the difference helps make your stor...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Complete SentenceA complete thought that has two main parts: a subject and a predicate. It can stand all by itself.The happy dog wagged its tail.
SubjectThe 'who' or 'what' the sentence is about.In the sentence 'The happy dog wagged its tail,' the subject is 'The happy dog'.
PredicateThe part of the sentence that tells what the subject is or does. It always includes the verb (action word).In the sentence 'The happy dog wagged its tail,' the predicate is 'wagged its tail'.
Run-on SentenceTwo or more complete sentences that are joined together without the correct punctuation or connecting word.The sun was shining we went to the beach.
PunctuationSpecial marks that tell us when to pause or stop, like a period (...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Complete Thought Check
Subject + Predicate = Complete Sentence
Every complete sentence needs a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what they are doing). If one part is missing, it's not a complete sentence. If you have two sets of subjects and predicates smashed together, you might have a run-on.
The Stop Sign Rule
Use a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation point (!) to end one complete thought.
Think of end punctuation as a stop sign for your sentence. You must use one to show that an idea is finished before you start a new one. This is the easiest way to fix a run-on.
The Connector Rule
Complete Sentence + , + Conjunction + Complete Sentence
If you have two complete sentences that are related, you can join them together into one longer sentence...
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Challenging
Read the short story. Which numbered sentence is a run-on? (1) Last weekend, my family went camping. (2) We set up our tent near a sparkling lake it was a beautiful spot. (3) At night, we told stories around the campfire. (4) The stars were incredibly bright.
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
Which of the following sentences is a run-on?
A.Even though the math test was hard, I think I did a good job.
B.My friend, who is the tallest in our class, is really good at basketball.
C.The principal announced that we would have a pizza party on Friday.
D.We wanted to go to the zoo, the weather was too rainy and cold.
Challenging
Which sentence is NOT a run-on?
A.When the bell for recess finally rang, all the students cheered and ran outside.
B.The dog barked at the mailman he wagged his tail happily.
C.The artist painted a picture, it was full of bright colors.
D.I finished my homework then I watched my favorite cartoon.
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