grammar tutorial commas, semicolons, fragments, and run-ons 1

GRAMMAR TUTORIAL

Commas, Semicolons, Fragments, and Run-Ons

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Step #1: Examine your pre-test and circle the items you missed. Beside each circled item, write the practice set for that item. Move to each of those practice sets by clicking on the number in the practice set column below.

Item Number Correct Answer Specific Content Practice Set

1 B Sentence fragments 1

2 A Run-on 2

3 D Items in a list 3

4 B Commas in a compound sentence 4

5 A Commas with an introductory phrase 5

6 D Commas with non-essential information 6

7 B Semicolons with 2 independent clauses 7

8 C Semicolons with a conjunctive adverb 7

9 C Commas with an introductory word 5

10 B Commas with an introductory clause 5

11 D Commas with appositive phrases 6

12 C Items in a List 3

13 D Essential Clauses 6

14 C Commas with dates 8

15 A Commas with addresses 8

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Practice Set 1: Sentence Fragments

Fragments are incomplete sentences.

To be complete, all sentences must contain a

1.Subject

2.Verb

3.Complete thought

If a group of words acts as a unit and has a subject, verb, and complete thought, then that group of words is an independent clause and can stand alone as a complete simple sentence.

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Look at these examples where a missing subject or verb creates an incomplete thought. See how each can be corrected.• Confused by the teacher’s lecture. ( Needs a subject.)

The students were confused by the teacher’s lecture.

• The greatest event in sports history, the Super Bowl. (Needs a verb)

The greatest event in sports history, the Super Bowl,

usually is played in February.

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Sometimes fragments occur when a student uses phrases or clauses to add information. These fragments are easy fixes. All that is needed is connecting the fragmented phrase or clause to a nearby complete sentence.

• When we found out that we would be traveling to Times Square for New Year’s Eve. We shouted and cheered for joy.

Correct by connecting the two and setting the introductory phrase off with a comma.

When we found out that we would be traveling to Times Square for New Year’s Eve, we shouted and cheered for joy.

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Now you try. Add or connect information to create complete sentences. Write your corrections in your learning log.

1. Carefully removing the cake from the oven.

2. Michael, the most daring member of our class.

3. Trying not to spill any of the tea. Tanya served the ladies at the Hospice Tea.

6Practice Set 1 Exercise

Check your answers.

1. Carefully removing the cake from the oven.

2. Michael, the most daring member of our class.

3. Trying not to spill any of the tea. Tanya served the ladies at the Hospice Tea.

When you finish, click the home button below:

1. Did you add a subject?

2. Did you add a verb?

3. Did you combine?

Trying not to spill any of the tea, Tanya served the ladies at the Hospice Tea.

Practice Set 1 Exercise 7

Practice Set 2: Run-Ons• Run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses

are incorrectly joined.

• Remember that independent clauses contain a subject, verb, and complete thought.

• When an independent clause stands alone it is a simple sentence.

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Look at the following run-ons that show all the different ways independent clauses can be joined incorrectly.

• No punctuation at all:

I love a snowy winter this warm winter has disappointed me.

• Comma Splice, also called a Comma Fault:

I love a snowy winter, this warm winter has disappointed me.

• Comma used incorrectly with a conjunctive adverb:

I love a snowy winter, therefore this warm winter has disappointed me.

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Just as there are several ways to create a run-on, there are several ways to fix a run-on. Look below:

• Separate into 2 simple sentences:

I love a snowy winter. This warm winter has disappointed me.

• Add a FANBOYS conjunction:

I love a snowy winter, so this warm winter has disappointed me.

(FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)• Use a semicolon alone:

I love a snowy winter; this warm winter has disappointed me.

• Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb:

I love a snowy winter; therefore this warm winter has disappointed me.

• Turn one independent clause into a dependent clause:

Because I love a snowy winter, this warm winter has disappointed me.

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Now you try! Correct the four run-on sentences below. Try to use a different method of correction for each item. Write your corrections in your learning log.

1. Some people love seafood others do not.

2. Summer thunderstorms can be quite beneficial, they cool down the temperature and provide needed moisture.

3. Recently the last living World War I veteran passed away soon that will be true of World War II veterans.

4. Fall leaves can be quite frustrating to rake, they are quite beautiful to behold.


Now check your answers. Did you make one of the changes suggested on slide 10 at the spot indicated below?

1. Some people love seafood others do not.

2. Summer thunderstorms can be quite beneficial, they cool down the temperature and provide needed moisture.

3. Recently the last living World War I veteran passed away soon that will be true of World War II veterans.

4. Fall leaves can be quite frustrating to rake, they are quite beautiful to behold.

When you finish, click the home button below:


Practice Set 3: Items in a List• Commas are used to separate items in a list. Look at the

examples below:• Single words:

Today you will need your textbook, a pencil, and your learning log.

• Phrases:

We will collect toys for Christmas before school, after school, and during all home ballgames.

• Clauses:

There are several lessons I have learned: I have to practice often, I have to ask for help, and I have to always try my best.

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Sometimes items in a list have multiple parts. When that happens, semicolons and commas are needed.Look at these examples:• Here are the times for the three movies we might chose to

see tonight: War Horse at1:00, 2:30, 5:00; The Help at

2:00, 4:30, 7:00; The Woman in Black at 4:00, 7:30, 9:45.

• This year our favorite band will be playing in Cincinnati, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; and Indianapolis, Indiana

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Correct the sentences below by indicating which words need to be followed by a comma or semicolon. Write the word followed by the appropriate punctuation mark in your learning log.

Example: Red white and blue are the colors of our flag.You Write: Red, white,

1. On the school nature trip, you will need a good raincoat sturdy shoes and a backpack.

2. After dinner, we will be clearing the table washing the dishes and preparing our lunches for the next day.

3. I will bring the cake Sarah will bring the ice cream and Michael will bring the plates and napkins.

4. We have three cities from which to pick for our vacation: San Antonio, Texas, Orlando, Florida, Chicago, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia.


Check your answers. Did you indicate the correct punctuation mark in the following places?

1. On the school nature trip, you will need a good raincoat, sturdy shoes, and a backpack.

2. After dinner, we will be clearing the table, washing the dishes, and preparing our lunches for the next day.

3. I will bring the cake, Sarah will bring the ice cream, and Michael will bring the plates and napkins.

4. We have three cities from which to pick for our vacation: San Antonio, Texas; Orlando, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Atlanta, Georgia.

When you finish, click the home button:


Practice Set 4: Commas in a Compound Sentence

• Compound sentences are created when two independent clauses are joined.

• An independent clause contains a subject, verb, and a complete thought.

• A comma is needed when two independent clauses are joined by a FANBOYS conjunction.

(FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

• There must be a complete sentence on each side of the FANBOYS conjunction for this rule to apply.

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Look at the following examples:

• A healthy diet can reduce heart disease, and exercise helps too.

This example has two separate sentences (independent clauses) joined by and. A comma is needed.

• A healthy diet can reduce heart disease and improve overall health.

This example has two verbs with one subject. It does not have a complete sentence on each side of the FANBOY conjunction; therefore, a comma is not used.

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S V S V

VVS

Now you try! Correct the sentences below by indicating which words need to be followed by a comma. Write the word followed by the comma in your learning log.

Example: I like ice cream and my sister likes cake.You Write: cream,

If the sentence needs no comma, write “C” for correct as is.

1. The car needs washing so you should do that first.

2. Monty forgot his jacket and Carrie forgot her umbrella.

3. Terry laughed at all Mary’s jokes and cried at all Suzie’s sad stories.

4. I would like to go to the movies but I have homework to do.

5. I would like to go to the movies and go out to eat.

19Practice Set Exercise 4

Check your answers. Did you indicate a comma in the following places?

1. The car needs washing, so you should do that first.

2. Monty forgot his jacket, and Carrie forgot her umbrella.

3. Terry laughed at all Mary’s jokes and cried at all Suzie’s sad stories. correct

4. I would like to go to the movies, but I have homework to do.

5. I would like to go to the movies and go out to eat. Correct



Practice Set 5: Commas Introductory ElementsCommas are used to set off • Introductory words:

Yes, I’d like some chocolate.

Stephen, would you turn on the light.

Surprisingly, he asked her to the prom.• Introductory Phrases:

Underneath the bed in Kate’s room, you will find the cat.

Teasing her brother, the girl played keep away with his toy car.

Confused by his expression, the mother asked several questions.

• Introductory Subordinate Clauses (clauses that can’t stand alone, which are also called dependent clauses):

Because of his bad driving record, he lost his license.

When you finish with your chores, you may go to the mall.

After playing a joke on his dad, he was grounded for a week.

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Example: Falling down the stairs Carmen broke her ankle.

You Write: stairs,

1. Whenever you are ready we can go.

2. Gillian what would like for dinner?

3. Placing her napkin on the table Caroline stood to leave.

4. Oh what a spectacular fireworks display!

5. Behind the sofa in the living room you will find a few hidden birthday presents.

6. If this is the way you want it then fine!

22Practice Set 5 Exercises


1. Whenever you are ready, we can go.

2. Gillian, what would like for dinner?

3. Placing her napkin on the table, Caroline stood to leave.

4. Oh, what a spectacular fireworks display!

5. Behind the sofa in the living room, you will find a few hidden birthday presents.

6. If this is the way you want it, then fine!



Practice Set 6: Commas with Essential and Non-Essential Elements

Commas are used to set off interrupting expressions with non-essential information. There are different types of interrupting non-essential elements:

• Parenthetical expressions like these:Honesty, I believe, is essential in a friendship.

Terry, I know, can be quite frustrating to deal with.

• Appositives that provide added information that re-names a noun:

Mr. Ron Ortiz, Principal of Central Hardin High School, handed out diplomas at graduation.

Mr. Joe Smith, acting Director of Operations, will attend the planning and zoning meeting.

NOTE: Interrupting expressions with non-essential information require 2 commas—one before the element and one after.

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• Embedded phrases and clauses can add non-essential information too:

Tiffany, dancing and whirling, moved gracefully across the floor.

The father, clearly wondering why his child was home late, asked many pointed questions.

David Sisk, who is only twenty-four years old, plans on running for mayor.

The dog, because of its injured paw, limped slowing under the parked car.

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Sometimes, however, these embedded phrases or clauses are essential. Essential elements are needed to clarify a noun or to tell which one.Look at these examples of essential elements. Notice, they do NOT

use any commas.

The boy who darted into the road was hit by a car.

(Tells which boy was hit)

The dog wearing the red collar is Veronica’s new puppy.

(Tells which dog)

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Example: Joy I believe is important to live.You Write: Joy, believe,

If the sentence needs no comma, write “C” for correct as is.

1. Hawaii of course if a favorite vacation destination.

2. Barak Obama President of the United States was born in Hawaii.

3. Pearl Harbor I believe is still an active naval base.

4. The girl who is on the surfboard has a crush on my brother.

5. Aunt Clara generously rubbing sun block on my little cousin lectured us all about the dangers of the sun.

6. Honolulu which is the capital of Hawaii is on the island of Oahu.

7. The boy sporting red Speedos should be a model.


Check your answers. Did you have the right answers?

1. Hawaii, of course, if a favorite vacation destination.

2. Barak Obama, President of the United States, was born in Hawaii.

3. Pearl Harbor, I believe, is still an active naval base.

4. The girl who is on the surfboard has a crush on my brother. Correct

5. Aunt Clara, generously rubbing sun block on my little cousin, lectured us all about the dangers of the sun.

6. Honolulu, which is the capital of Hawaii, is on the island of Oahu.

7. The boy sporting red Speedos should be a model. Correct



Practice Set 7: Semicolons Join Independent Clauses• Semicolons can join independent clauses WITHOUT using a

FANBOYS conjunction.

• Remember that independent clauses contain a subject, verb, and complete thought.

Example:

Chocolate is a favorite sweet; my mom loves Swiss chocolate.

Notice there is a complete sentence on each side of the semicolon.

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S V VS

Semicolons are often used with conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases.

Common Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases:

• Therefore• Thus • Consequently• Moreover• However• On the other hand• For example

Study these examples. Notice placement of the semicolon and the comma that follows the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.

1.Jessica plans on attending Western Kentucky University; however, her parents prefer Murray State.

2.Travis needs money to purchase a new car; consequently, he is applying for part-time jobs at several fast food restaurants.

3.Kentucky has several very nice state parks; for example, Carter Caves State Resort Park has many activities those who love the outdoors.

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Correct the sentences below by indicating which words need to be followed by a comma or semicolon. Write the word followed by the appropriate punctuation mark in your learning log.

Example: Jamie likes pets therefore she has five.You Write: pet; therefore,

1. Spring is my favorite season fall is my second favorite.

2. Studying for tests requires perseverance unfortunately some people do not have that perseverance.

3. Following the tornado, confusion abounded people were not sure where to go for help.

4. The University of Louisville basketball team has been called the “Cardiac Cards” therefore those with weak hearts should watch their games with caution.

5. The Kentucky Wildcats, however, have won more national championships than the Cardinals the Wildcat program has been stronger longer.


Check your answers. Did you indicate a semicolon or comma in the following places as shown below?

1. Spring is my favorite season; fall is my second favorite.

2. Studying for tests requires perseverance; unfortunately, some people do not have that perseverance.

3. Following the tornado, confusion abounded; people were not sure where to go for help.

4. The University of Louisville basketball team has been called the “Cardiac Cards”; therefore, those with weak hearts should watch their games with caution.

5. The Kentucky Wildcats, however, have won more national championships than the Cardinals; the Wildcat program has been stronger longer.



Practice Set 8: Commas with Dates & Addresses• Commas are used to separate the day from the year in dates.

When those dates appear in sentence form, a comma goes after each item in the date.

Examples: October 21, 2009 BUT when used in a sentence:

Susan’s daughter was born on Monday, October 21, 2009, at Hardin Memorial Hospital.

• Commas are used in addresses to separate the city from the state. When addresses appear in sentence form, a comma follows each part of the address.

Examples: Elizabethtown, Kentucky BUT when used in a sentence:

Susan lived at 158 Oriole Drive, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, but she will be moving to 587 Seminole Way, Louisville, Kentucky.

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Now you try! Correct the sentences below by indicating which words or numbers need to be followed by a comma. Write the word followed by the comma in your learning log.

Example: On March 15 2011 my sister married her childhood sweetheart.

You Write: 15, 2011,

1. Send your resume to Manufactures Supply Company 45 Winter Park Place Somerset Kentucky before the end of the day.

2. On July 4 1776 our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.



1. Send your resume to Manufactures Supply Company, 45 Winter Park Place, Somerset, Kentucky, before the end of the day.

2. On July 4, 1776, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.



grammar tutorial commas, semicolons, fragments, and run-ons 1

Documents

hospice tea

complete simple sentence

nearby complete sentence

practice sets

incomplete sentences

introductory phrase56dcommas

introductory word510bcommas

introductory clause511dcommas