Grammar Unit 6 Lesson 4

1. Grammar Unit 6 Lesson 4 Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

2. Sentence Fragments • 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: • A group of words without a subject • A group of words without a complete predicate • 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.

3. Sentence Fragments • 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.

4. Run-On Sentences • 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.

5. Run-On Sentences • 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.

6. Run-On Sentences • To correct run-ons you can: • Add end punctuation between the clauses and make two sentences. • It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation. They still had a good time. • 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.

7. Run-On Sentences • Separate the clauses with a semicolon. • It rained the entire time Gabriel and Jeffrey were on vacation; they still enjoyed the trip. • 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.

8. Run-On Sentences • 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.

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