Fragments, Run-ons, and Comma Splices
Directions Determine whether each sentence is a fragment, run-on, comma splice, or correct. If the sentence is not correct, you must rewrite the sentence correctly on a separate sheet of paper.
#1 #1 While keeping pets is fun. It is also a big responsibility.
Answer #1 While keeping pets is fun. While what? This is, most definitely, a fragment.
Possible Correction While keeping pets is fun, it is also a big responsibility.
#2 The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people they contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.
Answer #2 Run-on!
Possible Correction The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people; they contributed the funds for its construction in Paris. Or The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people. They contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.
#3 I called John, he didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled.
Answer #3 Comma Splice
Corrections I called John; he didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled. I called John, and he didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled. I called John. He didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled.
#4 Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool. Allowing us to turn in late work.
#4 Answer Sentence Fragment Allowing us to turn in late work= fragment
Possible Correction Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool; he allowed us to turn in late work. Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool, and he allowed us to turn in late work.
#5 I really like the new math teacher, he is really nice.
Answer #5 Comma Splice
Possible Corrections I really like the new math teacher; he is really nice. I really like the new math teacher. He is really nice.
#6 Since I have been back from spring break, I cannot seem to motivate myself to do homework.
Answer #6 Complete Sentence
#7 The field trip to the zoo has been cancelled. Because of the cold weather.
#7 Answer Fragment
Possible Corrections Because of the cold weather, the field trip to the zoo has been cancelled.