Comma Splices, Fragments, and Run-on Sentences

Comma Splices, Fragments, and Run-on Sentences232 NajdStarting a Sentence with BecauseYou can start a sentence with because, as long as you make sure to fully complete the sentence. One clause beginning with the word because does not constitute a sentence.

Starting a Sentence with BecauseThese are fragments:

X Because the newspapers reported it. X Because the river ran dry.

Starting a Sentence with BecauseYou can start a sentence with because if you follow it with a complete independent clause. Starting a Sentence with BecauseThese are complete sentences: Because the newspapers reported it, the neighbors believed it. Because the river ran dry, the dam would no longer provide electricity.

Comma SplicesComma Splices A comma splice is a type of run-on whereby two independent clausesor complete sentencesare incorrectly joined by a comma.

Comma SplicesExampleToday I am tired, I will take a nap later.

Comma SplicesGrammatical Error: This comma splice has two independent clauses or complete sentences joined incorrectly by only a comma.

Comma SplicesReasoning: The first part of the sentence ("Today I am tired") is an independent clause or complete sentence, and the second phrase ("I will take a nap later") is also an independent clause or complete sentence. The two sentences need to be joined by more than just a comma.

Comma SplicesThere are three ways to correct a comma splice, and they are similar to the three ways of correcting a run-on.

Comma SplicesCorrected Example1. Replace the comma with a period and make two different sentences. Today I am tired. I will take a nap later.

Comma Splices2. Join the two sentences correctly by adding a coordinate conjunction after the comma.Today I am tired, so I will take a nap later.

Comma Splices3. Join the two separate sentences correctly by inserting a semi colon (;).Today I am tired; I will take a nap later.

Comma SplicesDecide if the following sentences are comma splices or a complete sentences.

Comma Splices1.) John is always late for work, nobody seems to care.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentenceComma SplicesComma spliceComma Splices2.) Hot summer weather is nice, high temperatures are dangerous for certain people.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComma SpliceComma Splices3.) Emily broke her ankle on the weekend; now she is in a great deal of pain.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComplete sentenceComma Splices4.) Driving the car is fast and comfortable, riding the bicycle is better for one's health.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComma SpliceComma Splices5.) When a student likes his class, he is more likely to achieve good grades.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma Splices Complete sentenceComma Splices6.) James has an interview with the PBS, I might get a job as his assistant.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComma spliceComma Splices7.) After I was paid last week, I was able to do the grocery shopping.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComplete sentenceComma Splices8.) Due to the fact that I am so busy this week, I don't have time for my animals.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComplete sentenceComma Splices9.) Whenever Janis does not sleep enough, she gets a horrible migraine.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComplete sentenceComma Splices10.) The air conditioner is too loud, Cleo can't sleep.a.) Comma spliceb.) Complete sentence

Comma SplicesComma spliceFragmentsA fragment is an incomplete sentence. It is missing one or more of the following parts: a subjecta verba coherent thought

FragmentsExample #1

Yesterday, while I was driving to work and saw a bird in the middle of the road out in the storm.

FragmentsGrammatical Error: This sentence fragment does not contain an independent clause because of the word "while." Therefore, it does not contain a complete thought even though there is a subject and a verb.

FragmentsReasoning: This sentence fragment does not tell you what happened when you saw a bird sitting in the middle of the road out in the storm.

FragmentsExample #1 (corrected)

Yesterday, while I was driving to work and saw a sitting bird in the middle of the road out in the storm, I thought it must have wandered away from its nest.

FragmentsExample #2

When I went to the movies last week and I ran into a friend.

FragmentsGrammatical Error: This sentence fragment does not contain an independent clause because of the word "when." Therefore, it does not contain a complete thought even though there is a subject and a verb.FragmentsReasoning: This sentence fragment does not tell you what happened when you went to the movies last week and ran into a friend.

FragmentsExample 2 (corrected)When I ran into a friend at the movies last week, I suggested we sit together.

FragmentsSelect the choice that tells whether the clause is a fragment or a complete sentence.

Fragments1.) While I was driving to work and there was an accident on the road.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

FragmentsFragmentFragments2.) When I took my exam today, I was very nervous.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

FragmentsComplete SentenceFragments3.) Wherever I go, I take my cell phone with me.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragmentsa.) Complete Sentence

Fragments4.) If I don't take my cell phone, and I need to make a call.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragmentsb.) FragmentFragments5.) As soon as I finish this grammar exercise, I will eat lunch.a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragments6.) Because I didn't have time to write my paper and the computer was broken anyway.a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragmentsb.) Fragment

Fragments7.) Before I go to the mall or maybe I will see a movie instead.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragmentsb.) Fragment

Fragments8.) Whether I complete this course and get credit for it in the fall.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragmentsb.) Fragment

Fragments9.) Until I can learn to manage my time better, I am afraid I will always be late.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragmentsa.) Complete Sentence

Fragments10.) So that I don't spend too much time on any of my projects, I make sure I take frequent breaks.

a.) Complete Sentenceb.) Fragment

Fragmentsa.) Complete Sentence

Run-on Sentences

A run-on contains two independent clauses combined without proper punctuation (or two sentences in one).

Run-on SentencesExample #1 (run-on)Today I am tired I will take a nap later.

Run-on SentencesGrammatical Error: This run-on has two separate independent clauses, or complete sentences, with no conjunction and no punctuation.

Run-on SentencesReasoning: The first part of the sentence "Today I am tired" is an independent clause or a complete sentence, and the second phrase "I will take a nap later" is also an independent clause or a complete sentence. Therefore, we have two sentences in one without proper punctuation to connect them.

Run-on SentencesThere are three ways to correct a run-on:

Run-on Sentences1. Separate the run-on by making two different sentences.Today I am tired. I will take a nap later.

Run-on Sentences2. Join the two sentences correctly by adding a comma and a coordinate conjunction.Today I am tired, so I will take a nap later.

Run-on Sentences3. Join the two sentences correctly by inserting a semi colon (;).Today I am tired; I will take a nap later.

Run-on Sentences1.) My academic advisor told me not to take 18 credit hours for the fall semester I'm regretting not having listened to her. a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesa.) Run-on

Run-on Sentences2.) My cat was upset all day he didn't get canned food for breakfast.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesa.) Run-on

Run-on Sentences3.) Organizations that promise students a scholarship if they pay an extraordinarily high application fee are most likely scams.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentences4.) Because Rose was late for the all-you-can-eat buffet, she had to order from the main menu.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentences5.) The student fell asleep in class everyone thought this was rude behavior.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesa.) Run-on

Run-on Sentences6.) Although an immigration lawyer might help me to stay in this country, his fees are too expensive for me to afford.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentences7.) I like the history class because the material is explained so well.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentences8.) We followed the map we ended up in Canada instead.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesa.) Run-on

Run-on Sentences9.) Although the trip to Montreal was not very well planned, we had a great time.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentences10.) I received an A on my Psychology test I am happy.a.) Run-onb.) Complete sentence

Run-on Sentencesa.) Run-on