Fragment, Run-on, Comma Splice, or a Complete Sentence

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What is a Fragment?

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

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What is a Complete Sentence?

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A complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It must have a subject and a verb.

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What is a Comma Splice?

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

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What is a Run-on Sentence?

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

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Example of a Fragment: 'At the football game.'

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

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Example of a Complete Sentence: 'Justin searches for the bucket and sponge.'

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This is a complete sentence because it has a subject (Justin) and a verb (searches).

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Example of a Comma Splice: 'He washes and dries the car, it begins to shine.'

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

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Example of a Run-on Sentence: 'Aunt Mary gave us a painting she likes art.'

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This is a run-on sentence because it combines two independent clauses without proper punctuation.

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How can you fix a Comma Splice?

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You can fix a comma splice by using a period, a semicolon, or adding a coordinating conjunction.

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How can you fix a Run-on Sentence?

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You can fix a run-on sentence by separating the clauses with a period, a semicolon, or adding a conjunction.