Correcting Sentence Fragments and Run-On Sentences

What is a Fragment?

• A phrase that does not contain BOTH a complete subject and its complete verb.

Method #1 – Attach It

• Join the fragment to a complete sentence before or after it.

– Incorrect: Grammar is fun. But not for everyone.

– Correct: Grammar is fun, but not for everyone.

Method #2 – Add Some Words

• Add the words needed to make the group of words grammatically complete

• Incorrect: Enjoys studying grammar.

• Correct: Miss Johnson enjoys studying grammar.

Method #3 – Drop Some Words

• Drop the subordinating conjunction that creates a fragment.

• Incorrect: Since my father said yes.

• Correct: My father said yes.

What is a Run-On Sentence?

• A sentence that contains one or more complete sentences that are NOT connected correctly.

Method #1 –Separate Sentences

ROS

Many of our friends went to the game, it was very cold that night.

Sentence

Many of our friends went to the game. It was very cold that night.

Method # 2 –Comma/Conjunction

ROS

Many of our friends went to the game, it was very cold that night.

Sentence

Many of our friends went to the game, but it was very cold that night.

Method #3 –Semi-Colon

ROS

Many of our friends went to the game, it was very cold that night.

Sentence

Many of our friends went to the game; it was very cold that night.

Method #4 – Coordinating Conjunction - middle

ROS

Many of our friends went to the game, it was very cold that night.

Sentence

Many of our friends went to the game; however, it was very cold that night.

Method #5 – Coordinating Conjunction - beginning

ROS

Many of our friends went to the game, it was very cold that night.

Sentence

Although many of our friends went to the game, it was very cold that night.