Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons: How to Avoid Them

Mastering Sentence Structure: Avoiding Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

Introduction

In English grammar, sentence fragments and run-on sentences are common mistakes that can make writing unclear and confusing. Both errors arise from improper sentence construction, but they affect the meaning and clarity in different ways. Understanding how to recognize and correct these issues is essential for effective writing and communication. This module will provide an in-depth exploration of sentence fragments and run-ons, including definitions, examples, rules, applications, and tips on how to avoid them. With these tools, you will be able to enhance your writing skills and excel in exams.

Module Structure

1. What Are Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons?

• Sentence Fragments: A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks either a subject, a predicate, or both, and fails to convey a complete thought.
• Run-On Sentences: A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

2. Understanding Sentence Fragments

A. Definition and Explanation

• A sentence fragment is a part of a sentence that doesn’t have all the necessary elements to form a complete sentence.
  • Example: When I went to the store. (This is a fragment because it lacks a complete thought.)
• Components Missing in Fragments:
  • Subject: The person, thing, or idea the sentence is about.
  • Predicate: The part of the sentence that tells something about the subject.

B. Common Causes of Sentence Fragments

• Dependent Clauses: Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as sentences.
  • Example: Although I tried hard. (Needs an independent clause to form a complete thought.)
• Missing Subject or Verb: Sometimes, a sentence might be missing either a subject or a verb.
  • Example: Running through the park. (No subject or verb here.)

C. How to Fix Sentence Fragments

• Add the missing subject or verb to complete the thought.
  • Fragment: Because I was tired.
  • Fixed: I went to bed because I was tired.
• Combine the fragment with a nearby sentence to make it complete.
  • Fragment: The car was parked outside.
  • Fixed: The car was parked outside, waiting for me.

3. Understanding Run-On Sentences

A. Definition and Explanation

• A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction.
  • Example: I love reading books I don’t have much time for it.
• Causes of Run-On Sentences:
  • Lack of punctuation: When two independent clauses are joined with a comma or without any punctuation.
  • Improper use of conjunctions: When two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

B. Types of Run-On Sentences

• Fused Sentences: Two independent clauses are joined without punctuation.
  • Example: I like pizza I hate burgers.
• Comma Splice: Two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.
  • Example: I went to the park, I saw a cat.

C. How to Fix Run-On Sentences

• Use a Period: Split the clauses into two separate sentences.
  • Run-On: I like pizza I hate burgers.
  • Fixed: I like pizza. I hate burgers.
• Use a Comma and Coordinating Conjunction: Join clauses with a comma and a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
  • Run-On: I went to the park, I saw a cat.
  • Fixed: I went to the park, and I saw a cat.
• Use a Semicolon: Connect two independent clauses with a semicolon if they are closely related.
  • Run-On: It was raining, we stayed inside.
  • Fixed: It was raining; we stayed inside.

4. Applications of Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

A. Real-Life Examples and Usage

• In Academic Writing: Avoiding sentence fragments and run-ons helps maintain clarity and formality in your writing.
• In Creative Writing: Using complete sentences with proper punctuation creates more fluid and engaging narratives.
• In Exams: Proper sentence construction is often a key evaluation criterion in grammar and writing assessments.

B. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoiding Overuse of Fragments: Overuse of fragments can weaken your argument or make your writing feel choppy.
• Avoiding Long, Unpunctuated Sentences: Run-ons often make writing harder to understand and should be broken down for clarity.

5. Key Takeaways

• Sentence Fragments: Incomplete sentences lacking a subject, verb, or both.
• Run-On Sentences: Incorrectly joined independent clauses.
• Correction Methods: Use proper punctuation, conjunctions, or split into separate sentences to fix errors.

6. MCQs with Answers and Explanations

1. What is a sentence fragment?
   a) A complete sentence with subject and predicate.
   b) An incomplete sentence.
   c) A sentence that uses too many commas.
   d) A sentence with more than two clauses.
   • Answer: b) An incomplete sentence.
     Explanation: A fragment is an incomplete sentence that does not express a full thought.
2. Which of the following is a run-on sentence?
   a) I like ice cream, but I prefer chocolate.
   b) I like ice cream I prefer chocolate.
   c) I like ice cream, and I prefer chocolate.
   d) I like ice cream. I prefer chocolate.
   • Answer: b) I like ice cream I prefer chocolate.
     Explanation: This is a run-on because there’s no punctuation or conjunction between the independent clauses.
3. How can you fix a sentence fragment?
   a) Add a subject or verb.
   b) Use a comma.
   c) Add a period.
   d) Remove the punctuation.
   • Answer: a) Add a subject or verb.
     Explanation: To fix a fragment, you need to complete the thought by adding missing components.
4. What is a fused sentence?
   a) A sentence with too many commas.
   b) A sentence with two independent clauses joined without punctuation.
   c) A sentence with more than one subject.
   d) A sentence with only one clause.
   • Answer: b) A sentence with two independent clauses joined without punctuation.
     Explanation: Fused sentences are a type of run-on where clauses are joined without punctuation.
5. Which of the following is a correct way to fix a comma splice?
   a) Use a semicolon.
   b) Add a period.
   c) Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma.
   d) All of the above.
   • Answer: d) All of the above.
     Explanation: You can fix a comma splice by using a semicolon, adding a period, or using a conjunction after the comma.
6. What is the purpose of a semicolon in fixing a run-on sentence?
   a) To separate adjectives.
   b) To separate independent clauses that are closely related.
   c) To separate clauses in complex sentences.
   d) To connect dependent clauses.
   • Answer: b) To separate independent clauses that are closely related.
     Explanation: A semicolon can be used to join independent clauses that are related.
7. Which of these is a sentence fragment?
   a) Although she was tired.
   b) She went home.
   c) They ate dinner.
   d) We stayed at the park.
   • Answer: a) Although she was tired.
     Explanation: The clause “Although she was tired” is a fragment because it’s incomplete and needs an independent clause to form a full sentence.
8. Which sentence is a run-on?
   a) I want to go swimming, but it’s too cold.
   b) I want to go swimming I don’t have a swimsuit.
   c) I want to go swimming. It’s too cold.
   d) I want to go swimming, and I have a swimsuit.
   • Answer: b) I want to go swimming I don’t have a swimsuit.
     Explanation: This is a run-on because the two clauses are joined without punctuation or conjunctions.
9. How do you identify a run-on sentence?
   a) The sentence has no subject.
   b) The sentence is very long.
   c) Two independent clauses are joined without punctuation.
   d) The sentence has only one clause.
   • Answer: c) Two independent clauses are joined without punctuation.
     Explanation: Run-on sentences occur when independent clauses are improperly joined.
10. Which is the best way to fix a run-on sentence?
    a) Use a period to separate the clauses.
    b) Add a semicolon between the clauses.
    c) Add a conjunction.
    d) All of the above.
    • Answer: d) All of the above.
      Explanation: You can fix a run-on sentence by using a period, a semicolon, or adding a conjunction.

7. Descriptive Questions with Answers

1. What is a sentence fragment, and how can it be fixed?
   Answer:
   A sentence fragment is an incomplete thought that lacks a subject, predicate, or both. To fix it,

you can add the missing part (subject/verb) or combine it with another sentence.

2. Explain the different types of run-on sentences.
   Answer:
   Run-on sentences can be fused sentences (where clauses are joined without punctuation) or comma splices (where clauses are joined by a comma without a conjunction).
3. Why is it important to avoid sentence fragments in writing?
   Answer:
   Sentence fragments confuse readers, as they fail to express complete thoughts. In academic writing, clarity is crucial, and fragments reduce comprehension.
4. What role do punctuation marks play in preventing run-on sentences?
   Answer:
   Punctuation marks such as periods, semicolons, and commas (with conjunctions) help separate independent clauses, preventing run-ons.
5. Give examples of fused sentences and explain how to correct them.
   Answer:
   Example: I went to the store I bought some milk.
   Correction: I went to the store. I bought some milk. or I went to the store, and I bought some milk.
6. How can comma splices be avoided in writing?
   Answer:
   Comma splices can be avoided by using a conjunction after the comma or replacing the comma with a semicolon or a period.
7. Describe the impact of run-on sentences on writing style.
   Answer:
   Run-on sentences can make writing feel disjointed and unclear. They hinder the flow and readability of the text, making it harder for the reader to follow the writer’s ideas.
8. What is the difference between a sentence fragment and a dependent clause?
   Answer:
   A dependent clause has a subject and predicate but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. A fragment might lack either a subject, verb, or both, and is not a complete thought.
9. How do conjunctions help avoid run-on sentences?
   Answer:
   Conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) properly join independent clauses, preventing the error of run-ons by creating clear connections between thoughts.
10. What strategies can you use to improve sentence structure and avoid common errors?
    Answer:
    To improve sentence structure, use proper punctuation, conjunctions, and ensure each sentence expresses a complete thought. Regularly check for fragments and run-ons in your writing.