Understanding fragments and runons
- 1. Understanding Fragments and Run-ons Or How to not sound dumb when you write. Part 1 Brenham Writing Room Created by D. Herring
- 2. Review: What is a Sentence? • Remember that a sentence has a subject & a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. – Another term for a sentence is an independent clause.
- 3. What is a Fragment? • A fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought; therefore, it is an incomplete sentence. • Fragments are considered one of the four major errors in writing!
- 4. Trouble Spots • A word group that starts with a preposition – It’s hard to find time to study. With all of my other work. • A word group that starts with a dependent word (subordinating conjunction) – Kiki got in a fight. Because Trina looked at her funny.
- 5. Trouble Spots continued. . . • A word group that starts with an –ing verb form – I was running as fast as I could. Hoping to snatch the last Twinkie. • A word group that starts with to and a verb – Cheri got underneath the car. To hide from her brother because she took his Twinkie.
- 6. Trouble Spots continued. . . • A word group that starts with an example or explanation of something mentioned in the previous sentence – I hate all of my classes this semester. Such as English, history, and math. – I enjoy watching scary movies. For example Dawn of the Dead and the Friday the 13th movies.
- 7. Ways to Correct a Fragment • Add what is missing (subject, verb, or complete thought) – EX: For example, Dawn of the Dead and the Friday the 13th movies are some of my favorites. • Attach the fragment to the sentence before or after it – We got home early because we left early. – I hate all my classes this semester, such as English, history, and math.
- 8. What is a Run-on? • A run-on is created when two complete sentences (independent clauses) are joined together incorrectly (without proper punctuation) and are written as one sentence. • There are two kinds of run-ons: – Fused sentences – Comma splices
- 9. What is a Fused Sentence? • A fused sentence is created when two complete sentences are joined together without any punctuation. – Exercising is important it can keep you healthy. – I ate 5 Ho-Ho’s then I vomited on the carpet. – She made a stank face she was mad at her boyfriend.
- 10. What is a Comma Splice? • A comma splice is created when two complete sentences are joined together by only a comma. – She started feeling bad on Monday, by Wednesday, she was running a high fever. – I ate five Ho-Ho’s, then I vomited on the carpet. – His job paid well, however, he still couldn’t make ends meet.
- 11. Ways to Correct a Run-On 1. Add a period 2. Add a semicolon 3. Add a comma & coordinating conjunction 4. Add a dependent word
- 12. 1. Add a Period • Add a period between the two independent clauses. – I ate five Ho-Ho’s. Then, I vomited on the carpet. – She started feeling bad on Monday. By Wednesday, she was running a high fever. – His job paid well. However, he still couldn’t make ends meet.
- 13. 2. Add a Semicolon • Add a semicolon between the two independent clauses. – I picked up my laundry; then, I went home. – His job paid well; however, he still couldn’t make ends meet. • Remember, when using a semicolon, you must follow these guidelines: – A semicolon can only be used where a period could be used. – There must be a complete sentence on either side of the semicolon. – The two sentences must be closely related in order to be punctuated with a semicolon. – Most semicolons are followed by a transitional word which indicates the relationship of the two sentences.
- 14. 3. Add a Comma & Coordinating Conjunction • Use a comma & coordinating conjunction between the two independent clauses; if you already have a comma, add a coordinating conjunction (the 2 must go hand-in-hand) – I ate five Ho-Ho’s, and then I vomited on the carpet. – She had a sore throat, and she was running a fever.
- 15. 4. Add a Dependent Word • Add a dependent word between the two independent clauses. – Exercising is important because it can keep your weight down. – She had a sore throat while she was running a fever.