Fragments, Run-ons (fused sentences), and Comma Splices

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

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

Front

Correct this comma splice: 'I wanted to go for a walk, it was raining.'

Back

I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

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

Front

Identify the fragment: 'After the movie.'

Back

'After the movie.' is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is a sentence fragment?

Back

A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Front

Correct this run-on sentence: 'She loves to read she goes to the library every week.'

Back

She loves to read; she goes to the library every week.

Front

What is the purpose of a coordinating conjunction?

Back

Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect words, phrases, or independent clauses.

Front

Identify the type of error: 'He ran fast he wanted to win.'

Back

This is a run-on sentence.

Front

What punctuation can be used to correct a comma splice?

Back

A semicolon (;) or a period (.) can be used to correct a comma splice.

Front

Identify the error: 'The dog barked, and cried.'

Back

This is a comma splice; it should be 'The dog barked and cried.'