Finding and Fixing Comma Splices, Run-Ons and Fragments Correcting Common Sentence Errors

Do you want papers with less red marks?

This workshop will: Help you identify common sentence errors Give you easy ways to make corrections Enable you to develop your own personal editing checklist

This workshop will NOT: Make your sentence errors disappear Guarantee “A” papers But it will help you get closer to your goal of less red, more well said

Examine the following: In addition, Obafemi Awolowo was a leader who believe that the state should trench in Nigeria resources for example, he introduced free primary education and free health care in the Western Region. Citizens who had worked hard over the year are being recognized with an award for their service to the nation these citizens celebrate with their leaders. Fru Ndi stood up, no matter what, and formed a political party to challenge the dictator. Traditional dances with different colors of dressing.

First Example Identify subjects and verbs What is the relationship? Think about Ideas Why did the author believe these ideas should be connected? Identify sentence type Comma used between two independent clauses

Second Example Identify subjects and verbs What is the relationship? Think about Ideas Why did the author believe these ideas should be connected? Identify sentence type No punctuation between clauses

Third Example Identify subjects and verbs What is the relationship? Think about Ideas Why did the author believe these ideas should be connected? Identify sentence type Compound sentence

Fourth Example Identify subjects and verbs What is the relationship? Think about Ideas Why did the author believe these ideas should be connected? Identify sentence type An incomplete thought

Comma Splice Very common error Using a comma incorrectly to separate independent thoughts Commas have specific uses Link to Comma Rule power point Commas can never separate independent clauses in academic writing

Run-On Punctuation is necessary for reader to process ideas. Separating or joining independent and/or dependent clauses follows specific rules for punctuation.

Correcting Run-Ons and Comma Splices Four ways Add punctuation that separates (period [full stop], exclamation, semi-colon) Use a comma and FANBOYS Use a semi-colon and a transitional word Create a dependent clause, using appropriate punctuation

Fragment An incomplete thought Leaves the reader with a question Requires either A subject A real verb An independent clause Removal of dependent word

A Subject What is a subject? Usually a noun or noun phrase Autumn The very messy room A verbal Eating lots of candy To debate A clause The woman who walks to work everyday How ever long it takes All sentences in English require a subject except commands.

A Real Verb What is a real verb? An action or feeling word that is conjugated correctly talks will have been developed Not a verbal He running down the field -ing only becomes a verb with the helping verb BE She to take classes this semester

Practice Review the following collection of words. Determine sentence type or Determine structural error If there is an error, how can you correct it?

Practice 1. Insert examples here

Recognition and Correction In your own writing, be aware: Clauses and Phrases Sentence Types Avoid three common structural errors Comma Splice Run-On Fragment