Lesson 3.2: Fixing Fragments, Run-Ons and Comma Splices

Introduction

In this lesson, students, we will explore one of the most critical aspects of sentence-level writing: correcting fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices. These issues can confuse readers and lower the quality of your writing. By the end of this lesson, you'll understand how to identify these errors and fix them to ensure your sentences are clear and effective.

Objectives

• Recognise a sentence fragment and turn it into a complete sentence.
• Recognise run-on sentences and comma splices.
• Correct run-ons and comma splices with a full stop, a conjunction, or a semicolon.
• Understand why these errors confuse the reader and lower a writing grade.
• Check your own writing for these common sentence faults.

1. Understanding Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. In essence, it is a phrase that looks like a sentence but lacks essential components. For a group of words to constitute a complete sentence, it must include at least a subject and a verb and establish a complete idea.

1.1 Identifying Sentence Fragments

To identify a sentence fragment, ask yourself:

• Does it have a subject?
• Does it have a verb?
• Does it express a complete thought?

Example 1

Fragment: "Although I enjoy reading."

• Analysis: This fragment has a subject (I), and it includes a verb (enjoy), but it does not express a complete thought. We are left wondering what happens after "Although I enjoy reading."

Turning it into a Complete Sentence

To fix this fragment, we can complete the thought:

• Complete Sentence: "Although I enjoy reading, I prefer to watch movies on weekends."

1.2 Common Causes of Sentence Fragments

1. Dependent Clauses: Often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as although, because, or when.
2. Missing Subjects or Verbs: Sometimes a subject or a verb may be implied but not stated.
3. Phrases: Phrases lacking subjects and verbs can also be fragments.

Example 2

Fragment: "While I was reading."

• It leaves the reader wanting more. A complete sentence would be: "While I was reading, the phone rang."

2. Run-On Sentences

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. These sentences can confuse readers as they present multiple ideas without clarity.

2.1 Identifying Run-On Sentences

To recognize a run-on sentence, check for:

• Two independent clauses that are not connected by a conjunction or punctuation.

Example 3

Run-On Sentence: "I love to swim I go to the pool every Saturday."

• Analysis: This sentence consists of two independent clauses: "I love to swim" and "I go to the pool every Saturday," but they are not properly connected.

2.2 Correcting Run-On Sentences

Run-on sentences can be corrected in a few ways:

1. Using a Full Stop: Separate the independent clauses with a period.

• Corrected: "I love to swim. I go to the pool every Saturday."

1. Using a Conjunction: Connect the clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so).

• Corrected: "I love to swim, and I go to the pool every Saturday."

1. Using a Semicolon: Join closely related independent clauses with a semicolon.

• Corrected: "I love to swim; I go to the pool every Saturday."

3. Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined together by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. This can make the writing appear weak and can confuse readers.

3.1 Identifying Comma Splices

To spot a comma splice, look for:

• A comma connecting two independent clauses without a conjunction.

Example 4

Comma Splice: "I wanted to go for a walk, it was raining."

• Analysis: The comma incorrectly joins the two independent clauses: "I wanted to go for a walk" and "it was raining."

3.2 Correcting Comma Splices

Comma splices can be fixed similarly to run-on sentences:

1. Using a Full Stop: Separate the clauses with a period.

• Corrected: "I wanted to go for a walk. It was raining."

1. Using a Conjunction: Add a coordinating conjunction.

• Corrected: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining."

1. Using a Semicolon: Use a semicolon to connect them.

• Corrected: "I wanted to go for a walk; however, it was raining."

4. Why Do These Errors Matter?

These grammar issues affect the clarity of your writing. They can lead to misunderstanding or confusion for readers. An unclear sentence can distract from your ideas and arguments, making it harder for your audience to engage with your writing. Accurate sentence structure is essential for maintaining a high writing grade, especially in academic settings.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we discussed the importance of complete sentences and the common issues of fragments, run-ons, and comma splices. By understanding how to identify and correct these problems, you will improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Always remember to check your work for these errors to ensure your sentences express complete thoughts and ideas.

Study Notes

• Sentence Fragment: Not a complete thought, missing subject/verb.
• Run-On Sentence: Two independent clauses joined improperly.
• Comma Splice: Two independent clauses joined by a comma without conjunction.
• Correction Strategies: Use full stops, conjunctions, or semicolons for fixing fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.
• Importance: Clarity in sentences is crucial for effective communication and academic success.