Fragments and Run-Ons

Front

What is a fragment?

Back

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

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

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

Front

What is a complete sentence?

Back

A complete sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

Example of a fragment: 'The boys, terrified by the strange noises.'

Back

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

Front

Example of a run-on sentence: 'I did not know that newborn giraffes were so big, that one is taller than I am!'

Back

This is a run-on because it improperly connects two independent clauses.

Front

Example of a complete sentence: 'I have never seen so many drummers in one place at the same time!'

Back

This is a complete sentence because it has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

Identify the type: 'The farmhouse in the country.'

Back

This is a fragment.

Front

Identify the type: 'As the woman walked down the dusty street.'

Back

This is a fragment.

Front

What punctuation can fix a run-on sentence?

Back

A period, semicolon, or a conjunction can fix a run-on sentence.

Front

How can you identify a fragment?

Back

Look for missing subjects or verbs, or check if it does not express a complete thought.