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.

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The kind of sentences you'll fix

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

The referee reviewed the replay twice the goal stood.
Fixed: The referee reviewed the replay twice. The goal stood.
The tide charts warned of rough water the captain delayed the crossing.
The stew simmered all afternoon the apartment smelled like Sunday.

Every print pulls a fresh set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on each sheet

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 second who-did-what pair; the split goes right before 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 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.

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Aligned to Common Core L.4.1.f. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 178, updated August 2026.

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