Fragments and Run-On Sentences

• A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. It may lack a subject, a verb, or both.

• Alternatively, it may be a subordinate clause that cannot stand alone.

• Correct it by adding the missing phrase or words.

• Although he bought the tie for his brother. (Fragment)

• Although he bought the tie for his brother, he kept it for himself. (Sentence)

• A run-on sentence contains two or more complete sentences written as one.

• Incorrect: There was a mistake on our bill, the server took care of it.

• Correct: There was a mistake on our bill. The server took care of it.

• Incorrect: I ran into Margaret she is leaving for Florida tomorrow.

• Correct: I ran into Margaret; she is leaving for Florida tomorrow.

Run-on RepairWays to repair a run-on…

1. We can separate the two clauses into two sentences.

Run- On: Miranda was the lead vocalist in her band it was a punk rock band.

Repaired: Miranda was the lead vocalist in her band. It was a punk rock band.

2. We can replace the comma with a semi-colon. (comma splice)

Run- On: Gordon laughed at Sandy's joke, it was lewd.

Repaired: Gordon laughed at Sandy's joke; it was lewd.

3.  We can add a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, yet, nor, or so).

Run-On: The night was cold we forgot to bring our coats.

Repaired: The night was cold, and we forgot to bring our coats.

4. We can add a comma and a subordinating conjunction (e.g., after, although, before, unless, as, because, even though, if, since, until, when, while).

Run-On: Maria and John like skiing Karen does not.

Repaired: Although Maria and John like skiing, Karen does not.

5.  We can add a semi-colon, a transition word (e.g., however, moreover, on the other hand, nevertheless, instead, also, therefore, consequently, otherwise, as a result), and a comma.

Run-On: I expected to pay ten dollars for the bus ride to Halifax I was wrong.

Repaired: I expected to pay ten dollars for the bus ride to Halifax;

however, I was wrong.

• Comma Splice- two complete sentences joined by only a comma

• Most of the above rules can be adjusted to correct comma splices.

Keep in mind…

• Short sentences are NOT always fragments. • Ex. She ran. = complete sentence• Some fragments contain a lot of words, but they are still

not complete sentences.• Long sentences are NOT always run-on sentences. • As long as the punctuation is right, a long sentence can

be grammatically correct.