Fragments, Run-ons, and Comma Splices

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 • 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.