Complete Sentences vs. Fragments

Complete Sentences vs Fragments and Run-Ons

Open Ended

Before we get started, what do you think makes a sentence a complete sentence?

​Complete Sentences

​A complete sentence needs to have a subject and a predicate (verb).

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​A complete sentence also needs to express a complete thought.

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It also has proper capitalization and punctuation.

​Sentence Fragments

​A fragment is a piece of something.

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​Sentence fragments are part of a sentence, but are either missing a subject or a predicate.

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​They could also just be an incomplete thought.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a fragment?

• It is easy to find a parking space in downtown Meriden on most weekends.

• Driving in Meriden on Interstate 691 during rush hour.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a fragment?

• After getting estimates from five contractors, she decided to do the work herself.

• Before picking out an interesting wallpaper pattern that went well with her furniture.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a sentence?

• That the salesman was surprised to find in such good shape.

• Who borrowed Stefanie's car Saturday night?

Multiple Choice

True of False: The following statement is a sentence:

Everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go.

• True

• False

​Run-On Sentences

​A run-on sentence joins two or more thoughts (clauses) without a conjunction/proper punctuation.

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​It is NOT simply a long sentence.

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​They need to be separated into two sentences or combined properly.

Multiple Choice

Fragment, Run-On, or Complete: I really like going to the zoo to see all of the animals.

• sentence fragment

• run-on sentence

• complete sentence

Multiple Choice

Fragment, Run-On, or Complete: I really like going to the zoo I get to see all of the animals.

• sentence fragment

• run-on sentence

• complete sentence

Multiple Choice

Fragment, Run-On, or Complete: I really like.

• sentence fragment

• run-on sentence

• complete sentence

Multiple Choice

Fragment, Run-On, or Complete: I go to the zoo.

• sentence fragment

• run-on sentence

• complete sentence

Multiple Choice

Fragment, Run-On, or Complete: I go I like it.

• sentence fragment

• run-on sentence

• complete sentence

Multiple Choice

Fragment, Run-On, or Complete: Zoo is. Really cool.

• sentence fragments

• run-on sentences

• complete sentences

Multiple Select

Which sentence below corrects this run-on: I really like grilled cheese I also like quesadillas.

• I like grilled cheese and quesadillas.

• I really like grilled cheese. I also like quesadillas.

• I like.

​In summary...

​When we write, we need to use complete sentences. We should NOT use sentence fragments or run-ons.

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​Sentence fragments and run-on sentences need to be corrected when we proofread and edit our writing.

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Poll

I totally understand what makes a sentence a complete sentence.

• strongly agree

• agree

• disagree

• strongly disagree