Grammar Check: Correcting Comma Splices, Sentence Fragments, and Weak Verbs

Grammar Check: Correcting Comma Splices, Sentence Fragments, and Weak Verbs UWC Writing Workshop Spring 2014

Let’s see what’s out there…

Where We’re Headed… • Basics of Sentence Structure • Comma Splices • Sentence Fragments • Verbs • Use Interesting Verbs • Use Verbs You Know • Don’t Use Passive Voice • Use Literary Present

From the Beginning! • What are independent and dependent clauses? • Independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. • Ex.) The crew could see the whale. • Dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. • Ex.) which had surfaced only 50m behind them. • Put both examples together. Does it make sense? Do they fit together nicely?

4 Types of Sentences • To truly understand comma splices and sentence fragments, you must first remember that there are a few different types of sentences. • Simple Sentence: contains one independent clause (a defined subject and verb can be found) • Ex.) I swept the floor. • Compound Sentence: contains two or more independent clauses; can be joined together by a coordinating conjunction • Ex.) I swept the floor, and he cleaned the table.

4 Types of Sentences (cont’d) • Complex Sentence: contains one independent clause plus one or more dependent clause • Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept the floor. • Compound-Complex Sentence: contains two independent clauses and one or more dependent clause • Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept the floor, and he cleaned the table. • Remember: In order to use the following sentences correctly in your writing, you must first understand how they are constructed!!

Now that we understand what a sentence is, we can begin to look at problems that may occur when writing one! Let’s start with… Comma Splices!

A Comma Splice is… • When two independent clauses are connected with only a comma • A comma splice happens when you use a comma to join two independent clauses. That’s a no-no in grammar! Commas are used for separating, not connecting.

How to Fix a Comma Splice: • Consider the following sentence: • My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. • Is this correct? Why or why not? • NO! There are two independent clauses joined by a comma! • How do we fix it? • Correction #1: Break the sentence into two separate sentences • Correction #2: Add a coordinating conjunction and a comma • Correction #3: Add a subordinating conjunction with a comma

Let’s Practice! • The following sentences contain comma splices. For each sentence, suggest two possible revisions. • I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long. • She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding. • My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief.

Also, when considering when to use a comma, consult the (comma)ndments!

Sentence Fragments… • Fail to be a sentence because they cannot stand alone. They also do not contain even one independent clause. • Sometimes, fragments may be pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. These can be fixed in several ways. • Fragment: Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. • Possible Revision: Purdue offers many majors in engineering, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. • Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn’t working out too well. • Possible Revision: I need to find a new roommate, because the one I have now isn’t working out too well.

Sentence Fragments (cont’d) • Also, remember that some fragments are not clearly pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or main verb. • No Main Verb: A story with deep thoughts and emotions. • Possible Revision:She told a story with deep thoughts and emotions. • No Subject: When the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product. • Possible Revision:The ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product.

Let’s Practice! • Read the following sentences and determine whether they are complete sentences or fragments. • While I was driving to work and there was an accident on the road. • Wherever I go, I take my cell phone with me. • As soon as I finish this grammar exercise, I will eat lunch. • Whether I complete this course and get credit for it in the fall.

Now…Verbs! • When you think about using appropriate, powerful verbs in your writing, consider the following: • Use Interesting Verbs • Use Verbs You Know • Don’t Use Passive Voice • Use Literary Present

Use Interesting Verbs/Verbs You Know • NOT: is, was, are, were, shows, states, says, uses, seems, appears (very BORING!) • A thesaurus can make you sound ridiculous if you choose words that don’t fit in the context of your sentence. Use your online access to the Oxford English Dictionary to see a word in a zillion contexts, or “Google” the word to see how it is used or just for a definition.

Don’t Use Passive Voice! • It is sometimes okay! You just need to be careful not to overuse it, or use it because you don’t want to claim your own ideas. • Example: • Passive: The mouse was eaten by the cat. • Active: The cat ate the mouse.

Use Literary Present • Note: Treat the book as your present time. ANYTHING that happens in the book-including what the author writes, scrutinizes, dissects, etc.-is discussed in the present tense. • This means that anything that the book treats as in the past--what happened before the present time of the book is discussed in past tense.

Questions? Remember that the UWC is always here to help you! • 678-839-6513 • writing@westga.edu • TLC 1201 (First floor, past the snacks) • www.westga.edu/writing • Like us on Facebook: University Writing Center (UWG)

Grammar Check: Correcting Comma Splices, Sentence Fragments, and Weak Verbs