Understanding Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It may lack a subject, a verb, or both, making it impossible to stand alone as a complete sentence. Fragments can lead to confusion in writing, as they often leave readers wanting more information.
Common Causes of Sentence Fragments
1. Missing Subject:
- Example: "Running through the park."
- Explanation: This fragment lacks a subject. Who is running?
2. Missing Verb:
- Example: "The dog in the yard."
- Explanation: This fragment lacks a verb. What is the dog doing?
3. Dependent Clauses:
- Example: "Although I love to read."
- Explanation: This is a dependent clause and cannot stand alone.
4. Phrase Fragments:
- Example: "To the store for groceries."
- Explanation: This is just a prepositional phrase without a subject or verb.
How to Fix Sentence Fragments
To correct sentence fragments, you can:
- Add Missing Elements: Ensure the sentence has both a subject and a verb.
- Example: "Running through the park, the dog chased the squirrel."
- Combine with a Complete Sentence: Attach the fragment to a related complete sentence.
- Example: "The dog in the yard is barking loudly."
- Rephrase the Fragment: Sometimes, rephrasing the fragment can help.
- Example: "Although I love to read, I often find little time for it."
Understanding Run-On Sentences
Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. This can make writing difficult to follow and can confuse the reader about the relationships between ideas.
Types of Run-On Sentences
1. Fused Sentences:
- Example: "I love to read I have many books."
- Explanation: Two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation.
2. Comma Splice:
- Example: "I love to read, I have many books."
- Explanation: Two independent clauses are joined incorrectly with just a comma.
How to Fix Run-On Sentences
To correct run-on sentences, you can:
- Use a Period: Split the run-on into two separate sentences.
- Example: "I love to read. I have many books."
- Use a Semicolon: Connect the two related independent clauses with a semicolon.
- Example: "I love to read; I have many books."
- Use a Comma with a Coordinating Conjunction: Add a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) after a comma.
- Example: "I love to read, and I have many books."
Worksheet: Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons
The following worksheet is designed to help students practice identifying and correcting sentence fragments and run-ons.
Instructions
1. Identify whether each sentence is a fragment or a run-on.
2. Correct any fragments or run-ons by applying the strategies discussed above.
Worksheet
1. Because I love to swim.
2. She enjoys hiking in the mountains she goes every weekend.
3. After the movie was over.
4. The cat slept on the couch the dog barked loudly.
5. Walking through the city at night.
6. He studied for the exam, he wanted to do well.
7. Whenever it rains.
8. I enjoy cooking, and I love trying new recipes.
9. The book on the table.
10. They went to the concert it was amazing.
Answers
1. Fragment
- Correction: "Because I love to swim, I go to the pool every day."
2. Run-on (Comma Splice)
- Correction: "She enjoys hiking in the mountains, and she goes every weekend."
3. Fragment
- Correction: "After the movie was over, we went for ice cream."
4. Run-on (Fused Sentence)
- Correction: "The cat slept on the couch, and the dog barked loudly."
5. Fragment
- Correction: "I was walking through the city at night."
6. Run-on (Comma Splice)
- Correction: "He studied for the exam because he wanted to do well."
7. Fragment
- Correction: "Whenever it rains, I like to stay indoors."
8. Correct Sentence (No correction needed)
9. Fragment
- Correction: "The book on the table belongs to Sarah."
10. Run-on (Fused Sentence)
- Correction: "They went to the concert, and it was amazing."
Conclusion
Understanding sentence fragments and run-ons is essential for clear and effective writing. By identifying these issues and applying the correction strategies outlined in this article, students can improve their writing skills and communicate their ideas more effectively. Practice makes perfect, so working through exercises like the provided worksheet can further enhance understanding and proficiency in sentence structure. With continued effort, writers can create polished, coherent, and engaging text that captivates their audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sentence fragment?
A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
How can I identify a sentence fragment?
Look for phrases that lack a subject, a verb, or do not express a complete thought, often starting with subordinating conjunctions like 'although' or 'because'.
What is a run-on sentence?
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.
How do I fix a run-on sentence?
You can fix a run-on sentence by adding a period, a semicolon, or a conjunction to separate the independent clauses.
What are some common causes of sentence fragments?
Common causes include missing subjects or verbs, dependent clauses that are not connected to an independent clause, or phrases that do not stand alone.
Can sentence fragments ever be used effectively?
Yes, in creative writing, sentence fragments can be used for emphasis or style, but they should be used sparingly.
What types of exercises can help with run-ons and fragments?
Worksheets that include identifying, correcting, and rewriting sentences are effective for practicing run-ons and fragments.
Are there specific conjunctions that can help avoid run-on sentences?
Yes, coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', and 'or' can help connect independent clauses properly.
What role does punctuation play in run-on sentences?
Punctuation, such as commas, periods, and semicolons, is crucial in separating independent clauses to prevent run-on sentences.
Can a sentence fragment be corrected by adding a main clause?
Yes, adding a main clause to a fragment can turn it into a complete sentence.
