1. Sentence Structure fragments run-ons grammar errors syntax errors
(punctuation or missing components)
fragments
run-ons
syntax errors
(arrangement of words causes confusion)
modification errors
faulty predication

2. fragments This is bad! When even one of these elements is missing,
For a group of words to be
a grammatically correct sentence,
it must have a SUBJECT & VERB and
IT MUST EXPRESS A COMPLETE THOUGHT.
When even one of these
elements is missing,
a FRAGMENT results.
This is bad!

3. (not a complete thought)
To correct the error,
add what is missing.
A party for Sally’s birthday next Tuesday.
(no verb)
A party for Sally’s birthday next Tuesday would be fun.
When she gets home from visiting her grandmother.
(not a complete thought)
When she gets home from visiting her grandmother, Sally will do her homework.
Walked to school since his mother overslept.
(no subject)
Sam walked to school since his mother overslept.

4. (everything is missing)
For three weeks in the fall.
(everything is missing)
For three weeks in the fall, the trees are beautiful.
Whoever left the bookbag in the gym.
(not a complete thought)
Whoever left the bookbag in the gym risked having it stolen.
Because the weather is fabulous, and we have time.
Let’s go for a walk because the weather is fabulous.

5. #2 RUN-ON When two or more independent clauses
are placed within the same sentence,
a COMPOUND sentence results.
Strict rules govern how the ideas
in those clauses are joined.

6. The ideas within independent clauses must have CLEAR relationships.
addition, examples, compare, contrast, summarize or conclude,
time or sequence, cause/effect, place or direction
That relationship can be
expressed & punctuated
in three different ways.

7. Sally loves dogs, and she plans to get another puppy.
A. comma & coordinating conjunction
The relationship is expressed
in the meaning of the conjunction.
Sally loves dogs, and she plans to get another puppy.
Equal, similar ideas
Sally loves dogs, but she cannot get another puppy.
Equal, contrasting ideas
Sally got a dog, so she must find a new place to live.
Second idea is the result of first idea (cause-effect)
ERRORS OCCUR when one or both of these
are omitted from the sentence.
See these WRONG sentences:
I have to do my homework or I will get grounded.
My mom is mad, I want to keep her happy.
In order to go to the party with Sam
I have to get my grades up then I can go.

8. when one or both of these are omitted from the sentence.
ERRORS OCCUR
when one or both of these
are omitted from the sentence.
See these WRONG sentences:
I have to do my homework or I will get grounded.
My mom is mad, I want to keep her happy.
In order to go to the party with Sam
I have to get my grades up then I can go.

9. I have to do my homework or I will get grounded. no comma
My mom is mad, I want to keep her happy.
no conjunction
My mom is mad, and I want to keep her happy.
In order to go to the party with Sam
I have to get my grades up then I can go.
no comma or conjunction
I have to get my grades up, then I can go.

10. conjunctive adverb & comma
B. semicolon &
conjunctive adverb & comma
(ALL THREE ARE REQUIRED)
When using this method,
the relationship is conveyed
in the meaning of the conjunctive adverb.
examples of conjunctive adverbs
accordingly also, anyway, besides, certainly, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore, hence, however, incidentally, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, specifically, still, subsequently, then, therefore, thus

11. I want to get a new puppy; however, my budget is already strapped.
Sam studied for days for the test;
thus, his grade was an A.
I am going to visit the Southwest this summer;
specifically, I want to see the
Grand Canyon
I really hate grammar; still, I understand its value

12. C. semicolon When using this method,
the doofus rule must be respected…
The relationship between the two ideas is so clear that only a doofus
would not understand it...
I am tired; I will take a nap.
I am broke; I will stay home tonight.
The elevator is unreliable; I will take the stairs.
I am tired from work; let’s order takeout.
Sam’s voice is fabulous; he should get the solo.

13. it just depends. Which method is best? As always,
What is the relationship between the clauses?
Is the 2nd clause an extension of the idea in the 1st , or are the two clauses simply loosely related?
Avoid OVERUSE of method C.
Method B implies a slightly higher level thought that creates a tone of authority. Do you need that?