Run-Ons, Comma Splices, Fragments

1. Run-Ons, Comma Splices, & Fragments Writing Center Staff RCC Writing Center

2. Sentence Errors The majority of errors in sentence writing are in three specific areas: Run-ons Fragments Comma splices Each of these errors is easy to correct.

3. Meet the FANBOYS Did you know that you can separate two complete sentences with a comma only if you use one of the FANBOYS?

4. Here’s how they work . . . This is a great class the teacher never finishes on time. This is a great class, but the teacher never finishes on time. It is now one o’clock let’s start the workshop. It is now one o’clock, so let’s start the workshop. Prof. Velasquez talked about the history of the Mayans she discussed their art and music. Prof. Velasquez talked about the history of the Mayans, and she discussed their art and music.

5. Run-ons run on and on and on and... Run-ons are sentences that should be separated, but they are joined anyway without proper punctuation. The global food crisis is a threat to Africa many children are dying of hunger. But what do you do if you want to join them as one complete sentence?

6. Fixing run-ons: there are options. Option one: separate the two complete sentences using a period. The global food crisis is a threat to Africa. Many children are dying of hunger. Option two: join them by using a semi-colon. The global food crisis is a threat to Africa; many children are dying of hunger.

7. More options for run-ons Option three: Separate them by a comma and a FANBOYS: The global food crisis is a threat to Africa, and many children are dying of hunger. Option four: Find ways to join them by subordination. As a result of the global food crisis in Africa, many children are dying of hunger.

8. Comma Splices Comma splices are sentences that should be separated, but they are joined with a comma. College is hard, the expectations are higher than high school. (Comma splice) The professor assigns too much homework, I don’t have much free time.

9. Fixing comma splices If you are guilty of comma splices, relax. They are easy to fix. Option one: separate the sentences into two College is hard, the expectations are higher than high school. College is hard. The expectations are higher than high school. Option two: change the wording so that they can become one complete sentence. College is hard, the expectations are higher than high school. College is hard because the expectations are higher than high school.

10. More options for comma splices Option three: join the two sentences by a comma and a FANBOYS. College is hard, the expectations are higher than high school. College is hard, for the expectations are higher than high school.

11. Fragments Fragments are incomplete sentences. They are partial ideas, leaving the reader to think, “What does this mean?” They may lack a verb, a subject, or both. Examples: Whenever she asks. As this was a great opportunity. Finding nowhere to turn

12. Fixing Fragments Option one: Add a subject or a verb until the sentence makes complete sense as a stand-alone thought. Finding nowhere to turn. Ask yourself “Who am I talking about?” Finding nowhere to turn, the young man eventually turned to alcohol and drugs.

13. Fixing fragments: Another option Option two: join them to the previous or next sentence. My uncle always gives Janet the car. Whenever she asks. My uncle always gives Janet the car whenever she asks.

14. Remember, you are in charge! How you want to edit your paper is your decision. Over time, you will develop a writing style. Determine which way best suits the tone and purpose of the writing. In some cases, short sentences are more powerful and effective. In others, longer sentences enhance understanding of a point.