Fragments, Run-ons, and Comma Splices

A Reminder about Correct Sentences A simple sentence, or an independent clause, has one subject and one predicate. Ex  The girls wanted to eat lunch at Subway. A compound sentence combines two independent clauses with a conjunction. Ex  The girls wanted to eat lunch at Subway, but the boys wanted to eat at Taco Bell.

Fragments A fragment is a simple sentence that is missing a subject or a predicate (both dependent clauses). Ex  Going to Taco Bell. Ex  The boys wearing Skyhawk hoodies. A fragment can also be a compound sentence that lops off one of the independent clauses, but keeps the conjunction. Ex  But I wanted a BLT. Sometimes used by advanced writers for stylistic purposes, but if overused, are not effective. – For a one-page open-themed essay, two is pushing it…

Run-on Sentences A run-on sentence combines two or more independent clauses, but does NOT include – a conjunction OR – correct punctuation. Ex  The girls wanted to eat at Subway because it was closer to school but the boys were craving Chalupas so much that they told the girls they didn’t care where they were going, they just wanted Taco Bell then they split up and that was that. Ex  I’ll drive you pay. How would you “fix” a run-on sentence?

Comma Splices Comma splices are a specific type of run-on sentence. A comma splice is when two independent clauses are joined by a comma instead of a proper conjunction or punctuation. Ex  The five-dollar footlongs from Subway are a great deal, you should get one. Ex  The line at Taco Bell was way too long, it made the boys late to class. How would you “fix” a comma splice?

You can write correct sentences. Please follow the instructions on the handout. Thank you!