Sentence Fragments and Run-ons

1. Sentence Fragments and Run-ons Common problems in grammar

2. Sentence Fragment Problem 1- Fragment that lacks a subject Example: Hoped it would win a prize. Solution: Add a subject! He hoped it would win a prize.

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. Problem 3 Fragment that is a subordinate clause Maria was relieved. Because she found her notebook. Solution?

6. 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.

7. Problem 4 Fragment that lacks both a subject and a verb. Example: Paul finally finished his homework. At ten o’clock. Solution?

8. Solution Combine the fragment with another sentence. Paul finally finished his homework at ten o’clock

9. Run-on Sentence Problem 1- Comma splice—two main clauses separated only by a comma. On vacation Luisa enjoys hiking in the mountains, Leon prefers swimming at the beach. Solution?

10. 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.

11. Problem 2 Two main clauses with no punctuation between them Example: Kim plays the guitar she writes music too.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Directions • Re-read pages 146-148 in Speak. Find four examples of fragments. Edit the fragments using your notes. • Re-read pages 148-150. Find three examples of run-on sentences. Edit the run-ons using your notes.