Fragments, Run-ons, Comma Splices

Front

What is a fragment?

Back

A fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It often lacks a subject or a verb.

Front

Example of a fragment: 'Even though James is tired of working.'

Back

This is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction.

Front

Example of a run-on sentence: 'Michael Jordan is a good basketball player however Lebron is better.'

Back

This is a run-on because it improperly connects two independent clauses without punctuation.

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice is a grammatical error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Front

Example of a comma splice: 'I love to read, I find it relaxing.'

Back

This is a comma splice because it incorrectly joins two independent clauses with just a comma.

Front

How can you fix a run-on sentence?

Back

You can fix a run-on sentence by adding a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not express a complete thought.

Front

Example of a dependent clause: 'When we were on the bus.'

Back

This is a dependent clause because it does not express a complete thought.