Is it a complete sentence or a run-on?

key notes :

What is a Complete Sentence?

A complete sentence tells a full idea.

• It starts with a capital letter ✨
• It ends with a full stop (.), question mark (?) ❓, or exclamation mark (!) 😃
• It has a subject and a verb

Examples:

• 🐶 The dog runs. ✅
• 🌸 The flowers are pretty. ✅
• 🍎 I like apples! ✅

Tip: A complete sentence can stand all alone.

What is a Run-On Sentence?

A run-on sentence is two or more sentences stuck together without proper punctuation.

• It confuses the reader 😵
• It needs a full stop or connecting word

Examples:

• 🐱 The cat sleeps it is very cute ❌
• I like ice cream I eat it every day ❌

How to fix it:

• Add a full stop:
  • 🐱 The cat sleeps. It is very cute. ✅
• Use a connecting word (and, but, or):
  • I like ice cream and I eat it every day. ✅

Quick Check ✅❌

• Does it make sense alone? → Complete sentence ✅
• Is it too long without punctuation? → Run-on ❌

🎨 Fun Activity Idea:

• Draw a green check ✅ for complete sentences
• Draw a red cross ❌ for run-ons
• Let students fix the run-ons with a pencil ✏️

Let’s practice! ✍️