1. Comma Splices & Fused sentences, Run-on Sentences, And Fixing Fragments

2.  Definition of a Clause: part of a sentence with its own subject and predicate  Definition of Predicate: unit of a verb and all words modifying the verb - example: is here in Larry is here.  Clause Example: The sentence ‘Mary has a friend who is rich‘ contains a main clause and a subordinate clause (one that relies on the main for meaning)  Which is which? WHY???

3.  Definitions of a comma splice and a fused sentence:  A comma splice contains two main clauses illegally joined by a comma. The problem looks like this: main clause +, + another main clause = COMMA SPLICE.  A fused sentence, on the other hand, contains two main clauses illegally run together with no punctuation. The problem looks like this: main clause + another main clause = FUSED SENTENCE.

4.  Comma splices and fused sentences make you look like an amateur because they tell your reader that you cannot control the construction of a sentence.  So, how do you make your writing more professional???  Correct comma splices and fragments & get rid of run-ons. Let’s learn how to GET RID OF THOSE BAAAAAD SENTENCES!!! There are 4 strategies we can use to correct comma splices:  1) make two complete sentences  2) use a comma and a coordinating conjunction  3) use a semi-colon  4) use a subordinating conjunction

5.  Because comma splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period at the end of the first clause then begin the second with a capital letter. Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars. Correct the above sentence with Strategy #1.

6.  There are seven coordinating conjunctions.coordinating conjunctions  Some students remember the seven by learning the word FANBOYS.  Each of the seven letters of FANBOYS stands for one of the coordinating conjunctions.  F = for  A = and  N = nor  B = but  O = or  Y = yet  S = so

7.  Remember that you must use a coordinating conjunction that logically joins the two complete sentences.  But, for example, would not work in the example below because the writer is NOT showing contrast.  Teamed up with a comma, the seven coordinating conjunctions can correctly join two main clauses. Remember: FANBOYS Correct the example sentence with Strategy 2: Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

8.  Unlike a comma, a semicolon IS a strongsemicolon enough mark of punctuation to join two main clauses.  Keep these things in mind when you use a semicolon: -1) The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning. -2) Do NOT capitalize the word that follows the semicolon UNLESS that word is a proper noun, which is always capitalized anyway.proper noun

9. Correct the example sentence with Strategy 3: Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars. Good writers mix things up! KEEP IN MIND: Limit your use of semicolons; you should not wantonly scatter them throughout your writing.

10. First, here is a list to remind you of conjunctions we have covered before: Afteralthoughas becausebeforeeven if even thoughin order thatIf onceprovided thatrather than sinceso thatthan thatthoughunless untilwhenwhenever wherewhereaswherever whetherwhilewhy

11.  When you are fixing a comma splice or fused sentence, subordinating conjunctions can be the most tricky to use.subordinating conjunctions  There are two reasons they are tricky:  1) there are many to choose from, and  2) you must use the right punctuation. Now fix original problem sentence using Strategy 4: Remember – use a subordinating conjunction to subordinate the other part of the sentence  Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

12. A good writer can fix problem sentences using all four strategies:  adding a period and a capital letter  using a comma and a conjunction  joining the two main clauses with a semicolon  subordinating one part with a subordinate conjunction.  Now it is your turn. With a partner, correct the following sentence with each of the four strategies you just learned. http://www.chompchomp.com/rules/csfsrules.htm Most Freshmen feel overwhelmed by the workload in their college courses they usually spend more time socializing than studying

13.  The length of a sentence has nothing to do with whether or not a sentence is a run-on.  An over-exuberant, run-off-at-the-mouth, 400- word gorilla of a sentence can be structurally correct.  A run-on sentence is one in which two clauses haveclauses been connected incorrectly.

14. There are three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen: 1.When a pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun in the first clause: The President’s popularity has plummeted, she apparently underestimated the opposition. 2. When a suggestion or directive occurs in the second clause: You will be responsible for this material on the final exam, study it thoroughly now. 3. When two clauses are connected by a conjunction: Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices, however, the opposite is actually true. YIKERS!! FIX THESE SENTENCES!

15.  The first thing you MUST be able to do is recognize the difference between a sentence and a fragment.  Simply put: a fragment does NOT contain a main clause.main clause When you analyze a group of words looking for the main clause, you have to find three things: a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.subjectverb If one of these three items is missing, a fragment results.

16. And yawned loudly enough to make everyone in class turn around.  NO subject; verb = yawned; NO complete thought. The boy sitting on the fire escape dropping water balloons on the pedestrians below.  Subject = boy; NO verb; NO complete thought. After Gabriel ate half a box of Devil Dogs.  Subject = Gabriel; verb = ate; NO complete thought.

17. Here are the words to watch for that will begin many fragments: Afteralthoughas becausebeforeeven if even thoughifin order that onceprovided thatsince so [ that is implied ]so thatthan thatthoughunless untilwhenwhenever wherewhereaswherever whetherwhichwhichever whilewhowhoever whomwhomeverwhose Anything Look Familiar?

18.  1) add the necessary main clause  2) connect the fragment to a main clause already in the passage.  3) remove a subordinating conjunction  Remember: Whether you add or connect, you must use the right punctuation.

19.  Because Chase caught the eye of the beautiful brunette in algebra. Because = subordinate conjunction; Chase = subject; caught = verb. What happened? Was he able to cheat on the test? Did he quickly ask her for a date? The thought is incomplete. How do we correct it?  Until Rachel notices the toilet paper stuck to her shoe. Until = subordinate conjunction; Rachel = subject; notices = verb. What will happen? Will she embarrass her date? Will people at the restaurant stare? Another incomplete thought. How do we correct it?  Even though Fred stuck straws up his nose. Even though = subordinate conjunction; Fred = subject; stuck = verb. What happened? Could he still not pass as a walrus? Did the McDonald's manager offer him a job anyway? This thought is incomplete too! How do we correct it?

20.  Sunning themselves on the hot concrete until they heard human feet crashing down the sidewalk.  Twirling the baton with the speed and ferocity of helicopter blades.  Sucked down the pipe with a hearty slurp.  Hidden in the bureau drawer underneath a pile of mismatched socks. These fragments are missing subjects. Correct them by adding who or what.

21.  INFINITIVE Definition: to + verb  Although more words will follow to finish the phrase, you will not find a main clause to finish the thought.  An infinitive phrase—by itself—cannot be a sentence.  Examples of Infinitive Verb Fragments – Correct them by finishing the thought.  Only to watch in dismay as Dr. Frazier poured her chemistry experiment into the sink.  To catch butterflies for her biology project.  To break a piece of plywood with his bare hands.

22.  An afterthought does not contain a main clause  Watch for these words: especially, except, excluding, for example, for instance, including, like, and such as.  Examples of Afterthought Fragments: Correct them by adding a main clause.  For example, leaky pens, candy wrappers, dollar bills, and paperclips.  Including the dog with three legs and the cat with one eye.  Such as leaving the stove on and teasing mean dogs.

23.  Writers will sometimes forget to include a subject in a sentence. The result is a verb pining for its partner.  A lonely verb fragment will often begin with a coordinating conjunction and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet  The marker for a lonely verb fragment will be the immediate expression of action.  Remember that a verb alone cannot be a sentence.

24.  And dashed through the downpour as raindrops softened the hairspray shell holding her elaborate coif in place.  But knew that all of his effort would prove useless in the long run.  Took the thick book and, with a heavy sigh, loaded it on top of her research pile. Correct these lonely verb fragments by adding a subject.

25.  Appositive Definition: a noun phrase that renames and clarifies another noun.  Because an appositive can be long, writers sometimes mistake them for a complete sentence.  By itself an appositive is not a sentence.

26.  The unprepared student who was always begging for an extra pencil and a couple sheets of blank paper.  A slacker wasting his afternoon in front of the television.  A dog around whom people need to guard their fingers and food. Correct these appositive fragments by adding the noun they are renaming or clarifying.

27.  You are going to peer edit, but you are going to start at the end. BTW, This is also a SUPER way to self-edit.  Beginning at the end, evaluate every sentence:  Is there a comma splice? Use this mark: CS  Is it a fragment? Use this mark: frag.  Is it a run-on? Use this mark: R-O Use your notes to help you identify CSs, frag.s, and R-Os