Grammar Unit #2 - Sentences Today’s Lesson: Common Sentence Errors - Take 2 Fragments Run-ons Comma Splices

2. Run-ons

Level 1 Run-on Sentences A run-on sentence occurs when two or more simple sentences are combined without correct punctuation. Run-on example: The grocery store was really packed with people there must have been a big sale today. Correction #1: The grocery store was really packed with people. There must have been a big sale today. Here, the error has been corrected by simply breaking the run-on sentence into two simple sentences. Correction #2: The grocery store was really packed with people, so there must have been a big sale today. In this case, the sentence has been corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction and a comma. This is a compound sentence. Correction #3: The grocery store was really packed with people; there must have been a big sale today. Here, the error has been corrected by combining the two sentences with a semicolon. Notice the second sentence does not start with a capital letter.

Let’s Practice: Run-ons Could you tell these writers why the run-ons are incorrect? Also, how would you tell the writers to fix them? We were really busy at the restaurant tonight. I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30 I never sat down for even one break. My dog had to go to the vet today. She cried and cried when they clipped her toenails but then she wagged her tail when they gave her a shot. The book we had to read for class was really long my teacher doesn’t seem to understand that we have other classes to read for too.

Level 1 Answers: Run-ons Corrections are in orange: 1. Using Correction #1: We were really busy at the restaurant tonight. I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30. I never sat down for even one break. OR 1. Using Correction #3: We were really busy at the restaurant tonight. I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30; I never sat down for even one break. 2. Using Correction #2: My dog had to go to the vet today. She cried and cried when they clipped her toenails, but then she wagged her tail when they gave her a shot. 3. Using Correction #1: The book we had to read for class was really long. My teacher doesn’t seem to understand that we have other classes to read for too.

3. Comma Splices

Level 1 Comma Splices Comma splices are similar to run-on sentences because they also incorrectly connect two simple sentences. A comma splice occurs when two simple sentences are connected with only a comma. Comma Splice example: My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Correction # 1: My family bakes together nearly every night. We then get to enjoy everything we make together. The comma splice has been corrected by breaking the sentence into two separate simple sentences. Correction # 2: My family bakes together nearly every night, and we then get to enjoy everything we make together. The comma splice has been corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction and a comma. This is a compound sentence. Correction #3: My family bakes together nearly every night; we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Here, the error has been corrected by combining the two sentences with a semicolon. Notice the second sentence does not start with a capital letter, unless it’s a proper noun/adjective.

Let’s Practice: Comma Splices The following sentences are comma splices. For each sentence, suggest two possible revisions. I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long. She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding. My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief.

Level 1 Answers: Comma Splice Corrections are in orange: 1. Using Correction #1: I didn’t like the movie. It was way too long. 2. Using Correction #2: She and Jerry didn’t want a summer wedding, so they are getting married in the fall. 3. Using Correction #3: My favorite bands are all really loud; playing loud music is good for stress relief.

Class work: Get your writing folder Class work: Get your writing folder. Can you find a sentence error in your previous writing? Correct it! Homework: Two-sided worksheet