Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

 A sentence fragment is an error that occurs when an incomplete sentence is punctuated as though it were complete.  Three things to look for when checking for fragments: 1. A group of words without a subject 2. A group of words without a complete predicate 3. Be sure you haven’t punctuated a subordinate clause as if it was a complete sentence.  You can correct a sentence fragment by adding missing words or attaching it to a main clause.

 Sentence fragments can be used to produce special effects, such as adding emphasis or showing realistic dialogue.  Professional writers use sentence fragments carefully and intentionally.  In most of the writing you do, including your writing for school, you should avoid sentence fragments.

 A run-on sentence is two or more complete sentences written as though they were one sentence.  The first type of run-on occurs when two main clauses are joined by a comma only. This is called a comma splice.  Ex. It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation, they still enjoyed the trip.

 The second kind of run-on occurs when two main clauses have no punctuation separating them. This can occur with or without a conjunction.  Ex. It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation they still enjoyed their trip.  Ex. It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation but they still enjoyed their trip.

 To correct run-ons you can: 1. Add end punctuation between the clauses and make two sentences.  It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation. T hey still had a good time. 2. Separate the clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.  It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation, but they still had a good time.

3. Separate the clauses with a semicolon.  It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation ; they still enjoyed the trip. 4. Add a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb between the clauses.  It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation ; however, they still enjoyed the trip.

5. Change one of the main clauses to a subordinate clause. Add a comma if the subordinate clause comes first.  Although it rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation, they still enjoyed the trip.  The method you choose in correcting your writing will depend on the relationship you want to show between the two clauses.

 Identify each item by writing F for fragment or R for run-on sentence. Then rewrite each item, correcting the error. 1. Given the number of people that we expect to come. 2. Hardly a cloud in the sky as Veronica drove through the country. 3. This is the way to the store that is the way to the movie theater. 4. Don’t act as if you’re perfect you make mistakes! 5. Because you are my favorite teacher. 6. The shirts are red, the pants are black. 7. Some people are nicer than others I guess that is why I like some people more than others.