Fragments and Run-ons

Fragments  A part of a sentence punctuated as if it were a sentence Because I went to the movies. The movie. Was eating popcorn. To the store.

Types of Fragments  There are 3 types of fragments. Missing Parts Phrase Subordinate Clauses

Missing Parts  The subject or verb is missing. In 1853, Native American George Crum served his version of French fries at Moon Lake Lodge. Soon thereafter faced a guest’s disapproval. Chef Crum angered by the rejection.

Phrase  A group of words that functions as a part of speech and doesn’t have a subject or verb The pretzel has a long and interesting history. Dating back to A.D Popular folklore suggests that the pretzel was created. By a monk to reward children. He shaped the pretzel in the image of children’s folded arms in prayer. To motivate them to memorize their prayers.

Subordinate Clauses  A group of words that has a subject and verb, but cannot stand alone Earl Charles Grey helped abolish slavery throughout the British empire. Although he is better known for Earl Grey tea. After a British diplomat saved the life of a Chinese government official. The earl received the recipe for the tea as a gift.

Fixing Fragments  If the fragment is missing a predicate, add it.  If the fragment is missing a subject, add it.  If the fragment is a subordinate clause, add an independent clause.  If the fragment is a phrase, add it to the sentence before or after it. The movie. →The movie was funny. Was eating popcorn. →Caitlin was eating popcorn. Because I went to the movies. → I was tired because I went to the movies. To the store. →I went to the store.

Fixing Fragments Fix the following fragments. 1. In 1853, Native American George Crum served his version of French fries at Moon Lake Lodge. Soon thereafter faced a guest’s disapproval. 2. Chef Crum angered by the rejection. 3. The pretzel has a long and interesting history. Dating back to A.D Popular folklore suggests that the pretzel was created. By a monk to reward children. 5. He shaped the pretzel in the image of children’s folded arms in prayer. To motivate them to memorize their prayers. 6. Earl Charles Grey helped abolish slavery throughout the British empire. Although he is better known for Earl Grey tea. 7. After a British diplomat saved the life of a Chinese government official. The earl received the recipe for the tea as a gift.

Answers 1. In 1853, Native American George Crum served his version of French fries at Moon Lake Lodge. Soon thereafter he faced a guest’s disapproval. 2. Chef Crum was angered by the rejection. 3. The pretzel has a long and interesting history, dating back to A.D Popular folklore suggests that the pretzel was created by a monk to reward children. 5. He shaped the pretzel in the image of children’s folded arms in prayer to motivate them to memorize their prayers. 6. Earl Charles Grey helped abolish slavery throughout the British empire although he is better known for Earl Grey tea. or Although he is better known for Earl Grey tea, Earl Charles Grey helped abolish slavery throughout the British empire. 7. After a British diplomat saved the life of a Chinese government official, the earl received the recipe for the tea as a gift. or The earl received the recipe as a gift after a British diplomat saved the life of a Chinese government official.

Quiz: Identify the following as S (sentence) and F (fragment). If it is a fragment, fix it so it is a complete sentence. 1. The Crusades of the 12 th century encouraged trade. 2. Marco Polo from Venice to Asia in The Black Death one of every ten people. 4. Around 1500 the Inca culture flourished in South America. 5. At the same time a golden age in Mexico. 6. Arrived in the Americas in Small ships braved the huge oceans. 8. During the Middle Ages, most people lived on farms. 9. Few people received any schooling. 10. Because the ancient writings of Greek physicians were revered.

Run-ons  Two or more independent clauses run together without the correct punctuation The music was deafening I turned down the radio. I was tired, the game went into overtime.

Types of Run-ons  There are two types of run-ons. Fused sentences Comma splices

Fused Sentences  The sentence is made up of two (or more) independent clauses with no punctuation separating them. The movie was funny it starred my favorite actress. Meg Ryan is my favorite actress she is especially good in movies with Tom Hanks they were in Sleepless in Seattle.

Comma Splice  The sentence is made up with two (or more) independent clauses held together with only a comma. I didn’t really like Joe vs. the Volcano, I loved You’ve Got Mail. She was married to Dennis Quaid, they did a few movies together.

Fixing run-ons  Separate it into two sentences.  Insert a comma and coordinating conjunction. The music was deafening I turned down the radio. ↓ The music was deafening. I turned down the radio. The music was deafening I turned down the radio. ↓ The music was deafening, so I turned down the radio.

Fixing run-ons cont.  Insert a semicolon.  Insert a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb, and a comma. The music was deafening I turned down the radio. The music was deafening; I turned down the radio. The music was deafening; therefore, I turned down the radio.

Fixing run-ons  Create a subordinate clause The music was deafening I turned down the radio. Because the music was deafening, I turned down the radio.

Identify the following as S (sentence) and R (run-on). If it is a run-on, fix it so it is correct. 1. The principal retires, a new one was appointed. 2. Trying to make the team, the guard was determined to do his best. 3. The player tried to block the shot he screened his goalie. 4. Peter tried to put out the fire he only made it worse. 5. Margaret was tired, but she finished her homework.