Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment occurs when a sentence is missing either a subject (usually a noun) or a predicate (the sentence's action).
Example: Shows no improvement in any of the vital signs.
The
sentence above is a fragment, since there is no subject (Who
shows no improvement?). Fragments can be corrected by
identifying the missing element and including it.
Example: The patient shows no improvement in any of the vital signs.
Here
is an example of a fragment with a missing predicate, or action:
Example: The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their fields, which was obstetrics.
Notice
here that although the sentence is quite long, it still contains no
action (What are the doctors doing?).
Once identified, the sentence can be corrected easily.
Example: The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their field, improved their knowledge of obstetrics.
Run-On
Sentences
A run-on
sentence occurs
when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete
sentences) are connected improperly.
Example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.
There
are two complete sentences in the above example:
Sentence 1: I love to write papers.
Sentence 2: I would write one every day if I had the time.
You can
correct a run-on sentence by connecting its parts correctly.
There are several easy ways to connect independent clauses.
Correcting Run-On Sentences
1.
Use a period.
The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller
sentences using a period.
Example: I love to write papers. I would write one every day if I had the time.
2.
Use a semicolon.
Inserting a semicolon between independent clauses creates a
grammatically correct sentence.
Example: I love to write papers; I would write one every day if I had the time.
3.
Use a comma
and a coordinating
conjunction.
A comma, paired with a coordinating conjunction (such as and,
but,
or or),
will correct a run-on sentence.
Example: I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had the time.
4.
Use a subordinating conjunction.
A subordinating conjunction (such as because,
unless,
and although)
can connect two independent clauses in a different way.
Example: Because I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time.
Complete Sentence
Recognize a complete sentence when you
see one.
A complete sentence has three characteristics:
- First, it begins with a capital letter.
- In addition, it includes an end mark—either a period [ . ], question mark [ ? ], or exclamation point [ ! ].
- Most importantly, the complete sentence must contain at least one main clause. A main clause contains an independent subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.
Check out these examples:The banana rotting at the bottom of Jimmy's book bag has soaked his biology notes with ooze.Did you notice the cricket swimming in your cup of tea?I cannot believe that you tried one of those disgusting chocolate-broccoli muffins!If a main clause exists in the sentence, you can attach whatever other sentence elements you need. Look at the additions to the main clause below. All of the additions keep the original main clause complete.A bumblebee flew into Peter's open mouth.
Buzzing around the picnic table, a bumblebee flew into Peter's open mouth.
A bumblebee flew into Peter's open mouth, stinging the poor boy's tongue, which swelled up as big and as blue as an eggplant.
Because it smelled the peach-flavored bubble gum, a bumblebee flew into Peter's open mouth.
A bumblebee flew into Peter's open mouth and tickled the poor boy's tonsils.
Taking a wrong turn, a bumblebee flew into Peter's open mouth, but it buzzed back out before Peter swallowed.
Exercise 1 - Identifying Subjects and Predicates
Identify the complete sentence and write beside it the subject and predicate.
1. Nick Joaquin wrote many great short stories during his lifetime.
2. The Filipino writer remains very popular today.
3. He created memorable characters in stories about women.
4. Many students like to write short stories like Nick Joaquin.
5. Young boys and girls are interested not only in writing but also in acting.
6. These ambitious young people spend their summer in writing and acting workshops.
7. Their parents support their children in their interests.
8. The teachers guide these children in their activities, too.
9. We really appreciate children who are ambitious.
10. The country needs children like them.
1. Nick Joaquin wrote many great short stories during his lifetime.
2. The Filipino writer remains very popular today.
3. He created memorable characters in stories about women.
4. Many students like to write short stories like Nick Joaquin.
5. Young boys and girls are interested not only in writing but also in acting.
6. These ambitious young people spend their summer in writing and acting workshops.
7. Their parents support their children in their interests.
8. The teachers guide these children in their activities, too.
9. We really appreciate children who are ambitious.
10. The country needs children like them.
Exercise 2 - What's What?
Five sentences (S), five fragments
(F), and five run-on sentences (ROS) are found in these fifteen groups
of words. Write the appropriate code letter(s) on the line next to the
group of words.
- ____ Have you already visited that famous London museum?
- ____ At the beginning of the movie.
- ____ Let's open the presents, we want to see what you have been given.
- ____ Last year we photographed some of the events.
- ____ Again after all of the applause.
- ____ Before they started their photography business.
- ____ Please handle these expensive vases with care.
- ____ The men fixing the heater need more time, they can bill us more if they need to do so.
- ____ During the celebration held at the plaza.
- ____ Bring the empty cartons back from the factory they can be used again.
- ____ While you dial Molly's number, the rest of us can continue to set the table.
- ____ There are too many people in this elevator, who can take another one so this one is not so crowded?
- ____ Several telephone operators tried to assist me finally I gave up.
- ____ Leaving through the back door in the middle of the night last August.
- ____ We would really like to accept your invitation.
Exercise 3 - Making Sense
All ten groups of words are
either fragments or run-on sentences. On a separate sheet of paper,
write a logical, grammatically correct version of those words. You can
add or delete words, but keep the main idea intact.
Here is an
example: ''An unfamiliar car in the driveway.'' This can be changed to
''We noticed an unfamiliar car in the driveway.''
- Mount Rushmore is fabulous it is located in South Dakota
- Before the storm started
- If you think that it is a workable plan
- Oliver is a great friend he never speaks badly about anybody
- James Short just arrived he is funny
- Skateboarding is wonderful exercise my friends and I like to go skateboarding
- While the repairman fixed the dishwasher
- This author had written for seven consecutive hours she was exhausted
- Looking into the car's window
- The entertainer sang many songs we like all of them
Reference
English, Communication Arts I (Conversational Approach) pp. 11-22
http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/728.htm
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/completesentence.htm
http://www.education.com/reference/article/sentences-fragments-run-on-sentences/
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/completesentence.htm
http://www.education.com/reference/article/sentences-fragments-run-on-sentences/
