Sentence Boundaries and Comma Patterns

What is an independent clause? Subject + verb+ complete thought. Examples: I am going to the store. My son rode a yellow bus to school this morning.

What is a dependent clause? Subject + verb but missing a complete thought. Examples: -Although she bought cookies. -Buying the cookies.

What is a run-on? A comma-splice? Too many complete sentences: Independent + independent+ independent. Independent , independent. Examples: I like pizza I also like bananas. Ralphie played outside with his toys then he rode his bike to the store, he fell off it on the way.

What is a fragment? Incomplete sentence. No verb. No subject Dependent clause. Examples: Although she bought cookies. Buying the cookies.

How do you fix run-ons, comma splices, and fragments? 4 main ways to fix run-ons & comma splices: Adding punctuation and conjunctions. 2 main ways to fix fragments: Cutting or adding phrases. Log into Kahoot.it to test your run-on, comma splice, and fragment knowledge!

Fixing Run-ons & Comma Splices Add a . Ralphie played outside with his toys. Then he rode his bike. Add ,FANBOYS Ralphie played outside with his toys, and then he rode his bike. Add a ; Ralphie played outside with his toys; then he rode his bike. Add a subordinating conjunction (See list) After Ralphie played outside with his toys, he then rode his bike.

Fixing Fragments Cut dependent clauses at the beginning Although She bought cookies Add an independent clause Buying the cookies, she remembered she needed ice cream as well. Add a verb phrase Buying the cookies was fun.

Where do commas go? 5 major comma patterns Commas are used to separate and organize clauses, words or phrases to make the sentence clearer for readers. Go to Kahoot.it to test your knowledge!

Comma Patterns Pattern #1: Connect two independent clauses with FANBOYS (For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) You just got your new essay prompt, so it’s a great time to meet with an LSC tutor, go to office hours, or participate in an SI session.

Comma Patterns Pattern #2: Separating dependent clauses at the beginning If you want to get the most out of your time at Chaffey College, I’d recommend you take advantage of the GPS center, the Transfer Center, the Success Centers, and your professors’ office hours.

Comma Patterns Pattern #3: Listing between words, phrases or clauses Chaffey has activities and events you might enjoy such as poetry readings and performances at the Wignall Museum, plays and concerts at the Theatre, and club- hosted events in the quad.

Comma Patterns Pattern #4: Introducing setting, time or context at the beginning To get help planning essay two, Jordan decided to see a tutor while he was still brainstorming ideas. Yesterday, Jordan decided to see a tutor….. For his English class, Jordan decided…

Comma Patterns Pattern #5: Inserting words or phrases that are not necessary (non-essential) Cynthia visited the Career Center where, with the help of the Career Center counselor, she was able to find a job on campus and shorten her commute.