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English B60

Learn about the different types of phrases and clauses, how to recognize fragments, and how to correct run-ons and comma splices. Get tips on identifying subjects and verbs, and using punctuation correctly.

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English B60

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  1. English B60 Fragments, Run Ons, and Comma Splices

  2. Phrases and Clauses • A phrase is a group of words that does not contain both a subject and a verb; thus, it can never be a complete sentence. • To the movies (prepositional phrase) • Going to call (verb phrase) • The green and white blanket (noun phrase) • A clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb. There are two types • Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences. • The black and white dog barked angrily at the mailman. • Dependent clauses can not stand alone because they do not contain complete thoughts; they are often started by a subordinating conjunction. • Even though she is my best friend

  3. Fragments • What is a sentence fragment? • A fragment is a sentence that is incomplete. It might be missing a subject, a verb, or an complete thought. • I tripped and twisted my ankle. Running for the bus. • The second sentence, “Running for the bus,” contains a verb but no subject. • The patient displayed symptoms of ALS. A neurodegenerative disease. • The second sentence, “A neurodegenerative disease” contains what could be a subject, but no verb • Americans have come to fear the West Nile virus. Because it is transmitted by the common mosquito. • The second sentence starts with “Because”, subordinating conjunction, and is therefore a dependent clause.

  4. Recognizing Fragments Is there a verb?  No  It is a fragment Yes Is there a subject?  No  It is a fragment Yes Is the word group a dependent clause (a group of words with a subject and verb that begins with a subordinate conjunction like “Because”?  Yes  It is a fragment No It is a sentence

  5. Correcting Fragments • You might choose to add in the missing subject or verb to correct your sentence. • Very likely, however, you can simply combine your sentence with the previous or following sentence to correct the issue. Here are corrections of our previous example sentences. • I tripped and twisted my ankle while running for the bus. • The patient displayed symptoms of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. • Americans have come to fear the West Nile virus because it is transmitted by the common mosquito.

  6. Run Ons and Comma Splices • A run on consists of two or more independent clauses that have been joined together with no punctuation between them. • Air pollution poses risks to all humans it can be deadly for asthma sufferers. • A comma splice consists of two or more independent clauses that have been joined together with only a comma when more is needed. • Air pollution poses risks to all humans, it can be deadly for asthma sufferers.

  7. Identifying Run-ons and Comma Splices • You need to be able to distinguish between independent and dependent clauses to be able to identify run ons and comma splices. • Remember that all clauses contain subjects and verbs • Dependent clauses cannot stand alone because they begin with subordinating conjunctions • Before you leave • After we watch the movie • Since she worked so hard • Independent clauses can stand alone because they contain a complete thought • The class started late. • We both decided it would be best to take a break. • The child cried for his mother. • When you have two or more independent clauses together, they need to be joined correctly, with more than just a comma.

  8. Correcting Run-Ons and Comma Splices • There are four basic means of correcting run-ons and comma splices • 1. Add a period and create two separate sentences. • Air pollution poses risks to all humans. It can be deadly for asthma sufferers. • 2. Add a semicolon to combine two closely related clauses. • Air pollution poses risks to all humans; it can be deadly for asthma sufferers. • 3. Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction between the two clauses. • Air pollution poses risks to all humans, but it can be deadly for asthma sufferers. • 4. Add a subordinating conjunction to the front of one of the clauses, making it dependent. • While air pollution poses risks to all humans, it can be deadly for asthma sufferers.

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