Are there two right ways to fix a run-on now?

Yes. A period makes two sentences; a comma plus a joining word (and, but, so) makes one compound sentence. The choice items have exactly one best answer, and the key explains the repair used.

Why do some items keep the period fix and others the comma fix?

Meaning decides. Closely linked ideas read best joined; separate ideas read best split. Seeing both repairs across one sheet is what teaches the difference.

5th grade run-on sentences

5th grade run-on sentences worksheets

Fifth grade run-on sentences worksheets add the second repair tool: a comma plus a joining word like and, but, or so. Some items are best split with a period; others read better joined. Your child picks the fix that keeps the meaning smooth.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core L.4.1.f.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of sentences you'll fix

Each line runs two sentences together. Add the missing period and capital letter to split them.

The museum closed at five we never reached the dinosaur hall.
Fixed: The museum closed at five. We never reached the dinosaur hall.
The council meeting ran past nine the vote still ended in a tie.
The reunion photo took forever somebody always blinked.

Every print pulls a new set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different mix.

What's on a 5th grade sheet

5th grade sheets draw from 48 sentences, 8 to a page. 5th and 6th grade print from the same 48 sentences. The teaching notes below are written for this grade. None of these sentences are on 4th grade sheets.

A few of the sentences, as the answer key corrects them:

The rocket model wobbled on the pad. It tipped before the countdown ended.
The wildfire smoke drifted north. The sunsets turned deep red.
The twins alphabetized the spice rack. Nobody can find the cinnamon now.

Fix it. Each line runs two sentences together. Add the missing period and capital letter to split them. 8 sentences to fix per page.
Choose the sentence. Circle the letter of the correctly punctuated sentence. 8 questions per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.

How to teach this

Two repairs are now on the table, so talk about choosing: a period gives two crisp sentences, a comma plus a joining word shows the ideas are connected. Either mark earns credit on the sheet; asking your child WHY they chose one builds the writer's ear.

Watch for: Kids split at the first breath instead of the end of the idea. Have them find the two parts that could each stand alone as a sentence; the split goes where the second one starts. A part that opens with when, because, or if can't stand alone, so it stays attached to the sentence after it. Kids think a comma fixes a run-on. A comma alone makes a comma splice, which is still a run-on wearing a disguise. It needs a period or a comma plus a joining word.

Common questions about 5th grade run-on sentences

Are there two right ways to fix a run-on now?: Yes. A period makes two sentences; a comma plus a joining word (and, but, so) makes one compound sentence. The choice items have exactly one best answer, and the key explains the repair used.
Why do some items keep the period fix and others the comma fix?: Meaning decides. Closely linked ideas read best joined; separate ideas read best split. Seeing both repairs across one sheet is what teaches the difference.

Related worksheets

Ready to print one?

Need a fresh set of sentences? Download another copy.

Aligned to Common Core L.4.1.f. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated October 2026.

Spot a mistake on this sheet? Tell us. · About these worksheets