Comma Splices & Fused sentences, Run-on Sentences, And Fixing Fragments

 Definition of a Clause: part of a sentence with its own subject and predicate  Definition of Predicate: unit of a verb and all words modifying the verb - example: is here in Larry is here.  Clause Example: The sentence ‘Mary has a friend who is rich‘ contains a main clause and a subordinate clause (one that relies on the main for meaning)  Which is which? WHY???

 Definitions of a comma splice and a fused sentence:  A comma splice contains two main clauses illegally joined by a comma. The problem looks like this: main clause +, + another main clause = COMMA SPLICE.  A fused sentence, on the other hand, contains two main clauses illegally run together with no punctuation. The problem looks like this: main clause + another main clause = FUSED SENTENCE.

 Comma splices and fused sentences make you look like an amateur because they tell your reader that you cannot control the construction of a sentence.  So, how do you make your writing more professional???  Correct comma splices and fragments & get rid of run-ons. Let’s learn how to GET RID OF THOSE BAAAAAD SENTENCES!!! There are 4 strategies we can use to correct comma splices:  1) make two complete sentences  2) use a comma and a coordinating conjunction  3) use a semi-colon  4) use a subordinating conjunction

 Because comma splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period at the end of the first clause then begin the second with a capital letter. Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars. Correct the above sentence with Strategy #1.

 There are seven coordinating conjunctions.coordinating conjunctions  Some students remember the seven by learning the word FANBOYS.  Each of the seven letters of FANBOYS stands for one of the coordinating conjunctions.  F = for  A = and  N = nor  B = but  O = or  Y = yet  S = so

 Remember that you must use a coordinating conjunction that logically joins the two complete sentences.  But, for example, would not work in the example below because the writer is NOT showing contrast.  Teamed up with a comma, the seven coordinating conjunctions can correctly join two main clauses. Remember: FANBOYS Correct the example sentence with Strategy 2: Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

 Unlike a comma, a semicolon IS a strongsemicolon enough mark of punctuation to join two main clauses.  Keep these things in mind when you use a semicolon: -1) The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning. -2) Do NOT capitalize the word that follows the semicolon UNLESS that word is a proper noun, which is always capitalized anyway.proper noun

Correct the example sentence with Strategy 3: Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars. Good writers mix things up! KEEP IN MIND: Limit your use of semicolons; you should not wantonly scatter them throughout your writing.

First, here is a list to remind you of conjunctions we have covered before: Afteralthoughas becausebeforeeven if even thoughin order thatIf onceprovided thatrather than sinceso thatthan thatthoughunless untilwhenwhenever wherewhereaswherever whetherwhilewhy

 When you are fixing a comma splice or fused sentence, subordinating conjunctions can be the most tricky to use.subordinating conjunctions  There are two reasons they are tricky:  1) there are many to choose from, and  2) you must use the right punctuation. Now fix original problem sentence using Strategy 4: Remember – use a subordinating conjunction to subordinate the other part of the sentence  Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

A good writer can fix problem sentences using all four strategies:  adding a period and a capital letter  using a comma and a conjunction  joining the two main clauses with a semicolon  subordinating one part with a subordinate conjunction.  Now it is your turn. With a partner, correct the following sentence with each of the four strategies you just learned. Most Freshmen feel overwhelmed by the workload in their college courses they usually spend more time socializing than studying

 The length of a sentence has nothing to do with whether or not a sentence is a run-on.  An over-exuberant, run-off-at-the-mouth, 400- word gorilla of a sentence can be structurally correct.  A run-on sentence is one in which two clauses haveclauses been connected incorrectly.

There are three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen: 1.When a pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun in the first clause: The President’s popularity has plummeted, she apparently underestimated the opposition. 2. When a suggestion or directive occurs in the second clause: You will be responsible for this material on the final exam, study it thoroughly now. 3. When two clauses are connected by a conjunction: Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices, however, the opposite is actually true. YIKERS!! FIX THESE SENTENCES!

 The first thing you MUST be able to do is recognize the difference between a sentence and a fragment.  Simply put: a fragment does NOT contain a main clause.main clause When you analyze a group of words looking for the main clause, you have to find three things: a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.subjectverb If one of these three items is missing, a fragment results.

And yawned loudly enough to make everyone in class turn around.  NO subject; verb = yawned; NO complete thought. The boy sitting on the fire escape dropping water balloons on the pedestrians below.  Subject = boy; NO verb; NO complete thought. After Gabriel ate half a box of Devil Dogs.  Subject = Gabriel; verb = ate; NO complete thought.

Here are the words to watch for that will begin many fragments: Afteralthoughas becausebeforeeven if even thoughifin order that onceprovided thatsince so [ that is implied ]so thatthan thatthoughunless untilwhenwhenever wherewhereaswherever whetherwhichwhichever whilewhowhoever whomwhomeverwhose Anything Look Familiar?

 1) add the necessary main clause  2) connect the fragment to a main clause already in the passage.  3) remove a subordinating conjunction  Remember: Whether you add or connect, you must use the right punctuation.

 Because Chase caught the eye of the beautiful brunette in algebra. Because = subordinate conjunction; Chase = subject; caught = verb. What happened? Was he able to cheat on the test? Did he quickly ask her for a date? The thought is incomplete. How do we correct it?  Until Rachel notices the toilet paper stuck to her shoe. Until = subordinate conjunction; Rachel = subject; notices = verb. What will happen? Will she embarrass her date? Will people at the restaurant stare? Another incomplete thought. How do we correct it?  Even though Fred stuck straws up his nose. Even though = subordinate conjunction; Fred = subject; stuck = verb. What happened? Could he still not pass as a walrus? Did the McDonald's manager offer him a job anyway? This thought is incomplete too! How do we correct it?

 Sunning themselves on the hot concrete until they heard human feet crashing down the sidewalk.  Twirling the baton with the speed and ferocity of helicopter blades.  Sucked down the pipe with a hearty slurp.  Hidden in the bureau drawer underneath a pile of mismatched socks. These fragments are missing subjects. Correct them by adding who or what.

 INFINITIVE Definition: to + verb  Although more words will follow to finish the phrase, you will not find a main clause to finish the thought.  An infinitive phrase—by itself—cannot be a sentence.  Examples of Infinitive Verb Fragments – Correct them by finishing the thought.  Only to watch in dismay as Dr. Frazier poured her chemistry experiment into the sink.  To catch butterflies for her biology project.  To break a piece of plywood with his bare hands.

 An afterthought does not contain a main clause  Watch for these words: especially, except, excluding, for example, for instance, including, like, and such as.  Examples of Afterthought Fragments: Correct them by adding a main clause.  For example, leaky pens, candy wrappers, dollar bills, and paperclips.  Including the dog with three legs and the cat with one eye.  Such as leaving the stove on and teasing mean dogs.

 Writers will sometimes forget to include a subject in a sentence. The result is a verb pining for its partner.  A lonely verb fragment will often begin with a coordinating conjunction and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet  The marker for a lonely verb fragment will be the immediate expression of action.  Remember that a verb alone cannot be a sentence.

 And dashed through the downpour as raindrops softened the hairspray shell holding her elaborate coif in place.  But knew that all of his effort would prove useless in the long run.  Took the thick book and, with a heavy sigh, loaded it on top of her research pile. Correct these lonely verb fragments by adding a subject.

 Appositive Definition: a noun phrase that renames and clarifies another noun.  Because an appositive can be long, writers sometimes mistake them for a complete sentence.  By itself an appositive is not a sentence.

 The unprepared student who was always begging for an extra pencil and a couple sheets of blank paper.  A slacker wasting his afternoon in front of the television.  A dog around whom people need to guard their fingers and food. Correct these appositive fragments by adding the noun they are renaming or clarifying.

 You are going to peer edit, but you are going to start at the end. BTW, This is also a SUPER way to self-edit.  Beginning at the end, evaluate every sentence:  Is there a comma splice? Use this mark: CS  Is it a fragment? Use this mark: frag.  Is it a run-on? Use this mark: R-O Use your notes to help you identify CSs, frag.s, and R-Os