1. Fragments, Run-ons, and Comma Splices

2. Directions  Determine whether each sentence is a fragment, run-on, comma splice, or correct.  If the sentence is not correct, you must rewrite the sentence correctly on a separate sheet of paper.

3. #1 #1  While keeping pets is fun. It is also a big responsibility.

4. Answer #1  While keeping pets is fun.  While what?  This is, most definitely, a fragment.

5. Possible Correction  While keeping pets is fun, it is also a big responsibility.

6. #2  The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people they contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.

7. Answer #2  Run-on!

8. Possible Correction  The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people; they contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.  Or  The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people. They contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.

9. #3  I called John, he didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled.

10. Answer #3  Comma Splice

11. Corrections  I called John; he didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled.  I called John, and he didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled.  I called John. He didn’t know the meeting had been cancelled.

12. #4  Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool. Allowing us to turn in late work.

13. #4 Answer  Sentence Fragment  Allowing us to turn in late work= fragment

14. Possible Correction  Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool; he allowed us to turn in late work.  Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool, and he allowed us to turn in late work.

15. #5  I really like the new math teacher, he is really nice.

16. Answer #5  Comma Splice

17. Possible Corrections  I really like the new math teacher; he is really nice.  I really like the new math teacher. He is really nice.

18. #6  Since I have been back from spring break, I cannot seem to motivate myself to do homework.

19. Answer #6  Complete Sentence

20. #7  The field trip to the zoo has been cancelled. Because of the cold weather.

21. #7 Answer  Fragment

22. Possible Corrections  Because of the cold weather, the field trip to the zoo has been cancelled.