Transcript Sentence Fragments and Run-ons

Sentence Fragments and Run-ons
Common problems in
grammar
Sentence Fragment
Problem 1Fragment that lacks a subject
Example: Hoped it would win a prize.
Solution: Add a subject!
He hoped it would win a prize.
Problem 2
Fragment that lacks a complete verb
Examples:
We heard a loud noise. The fire alarm across the
street.
The critics encouraging us to put on future shows.
How did you fix these fragments?
Solution
Add a complete verb or a helping verb to make
the sentence complete.
We heard a loud noise. The fire alarm across
the street was wailing.
The critics are encouraging us to put on future
shows.
Problem 3
Fragment that is a subordinate clause
Maria was relieved. Because she found her
notebook.
Solution?
Solution
A-Combine the fragment with another sentence.
B- Rewrite the fragment as a complete sentence, and
add a subject to make it a complete thought.
Maria was relieved because she found her notebook.
Maria was relieved. She found her notebook.
Problem 4
Fragment that lacks both a subject and a verb.
Example: Paul finally finished his homework. At
ten o’clock.
Solution?
Solution
Combine the fragment with another
sentence.
Paul finally finished his homework at ten
o’clock
Run-on Sentence
Problem 1Comma splice—two main clauses separated
only by a comma.
On vacation Luisa enjoys hiking in the
mountains, Leon prefers swimming at the
beach.
Solution?
Solution
A- Replace the comma with an end mark.
On vacation Luisa enjoys hiking in the
mountains. Leon prefers swimming at the
beach.
B- Place a semi-colon or a dash between the
main clauses.
C- Add a conjunction after the comma.
Problem 2
Two main clauses with no punctuation between
them
Example: Kim plays the guitar she writes music
too.
Solutions
A- Separate the main clauses with a period
Kim plays the guitar. She writes music too.
B- Separate the main clauses with a semi
colon.
Kim plays the guitar; she writes music too.
C- Add a comma and conjunction
Kim plays the guitar, and she writes music too.
Problem 3

Two main clauses with no comma before the
conjunction

Carla is planning to visit Yellowstone National
Park next summer and her sister may join
her.
Solution
Add the comma to separate the two main
clauses.
Carla is planning to visit Yellowstone National
Park next summer, and her sister may join
her.
Directions
1.
Re-read pages 146-148 in Speak. Find
four examples of fragments. Edit the
fragments using your notes.
2.
Re-read pages 148-150. Find three
examples of run-on sentences. Edit the
run-ons using your notes.