Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons Lesson

Grammar: Sentence fragments and run-ons

• Cannot stand alone

• Must be attached to an independent clause

Example:

Because of the rain

Dependent Clause

• Complete sentence with a subject, verb, and complete thought.

• Can stand alone

Example:  

The kids walked the dog to the park.

Independent Clause

FIRST: Remember the clauses

Multiple Choice

Is this an independent or dependent clause?:

He smiled at her

• Independent clause (can be a complete sentence)

• Dependent clause (cannot be a complete sentence)

Multiple Choice

Is this an independent or dependent clause?:

If my mom is nice

• Independent clause (can be a complete sentence)

• Dependent clause (cannot be a complete sentence)

Sentences are a group of words that have a subject, verb, and make up a complete thought or statement. 

If a sentence does not hit all 3 of the criteria, it is more than likely a sentence fragment!

Sentence fragments can make someone’s writing hard to understand.​

Sentence Fragments

Components of a Sentence

Subject and Verb

• Subject: The WHO or WHAT the sentence is about.

• Verb: The action performed by the subject of the sentence.

  • "The class erupted in laughter when they read the riddle of the day."

  • SUBJECT = The class.

  • VERB = erupted.
    
    

Multiple Choice

What is the subject of the following sentence: The curious students explored the ancient ruins.

• ancient

• students

• explored

• ruins

Multiple Choice

What is the verb of the following sentence: My delicious breakfast disappeared quickly.

• quickly

• delicious

• disappeared

• breakfast

Multiple Choice

What is this fragment missing? "Lost in thought, oblivious to the world around her."

• subject

• verb

• neither

Multiple Choice

What is this fragment missing? "Suddenly appeared, shimmering in the mist."

• subject

• verb

• neither

Multiple Choice

What is this fragment missing? "The old house, with its creaking floorboards and flickering gaslights."

• subject

• verb

• neither

How to fix them:

A run-on sentence is when 2 independent clauses are not joined together properly.

Examples:

All the parents came to the school play they all enjoyed it.

My mom visits the museum, she can spend hours looking at the exhibits.

Run-On Sentences

• Separate the independent clauses with correct punctuation (? . !)

• Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) to create a compound sentence. A COMMA IS NOT ENOUGH TO FIX A RUN ON!

• Separate the independent clauses with a semi-colon (;)

Fill in the Blank

Correct the run-on sentence:

School starts tomorrow I still need to finish my homework!

;

!

Fill in the Blank

Correct the run-on sentence:

The dog barked excitedly his tail wagged furiously.

,

.

Fill in the Blank

Correct the run-on sentence:

I opened the door, a gust of wind whipped my hair across my face.

,

.

Multiple Choice

Is this a sentence fragment, run-on, or a complete sentence:

Over the weekend

• Sentence Fragment

• Run-on Sentence

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Is this a sentence fragment, run-on, or a complete sentence:

While the teacher was grading

• Sentence Fragment

• Run-on Sentence

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Is this a sentence fragment, run-on, or a complete sentence:

Over the weekend I cooked the meals for the week, I also did the laundry Kyle mopped the floors.

• Sentence Fragment

• Run-on Sentence

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

Is this a sentence fragment, run-on, or a complete sentence:

The delicious aroma of pizza filled the kitchen, making my stomach rumble.

• Sentence Fragment

• Run-on Sentence

• Complete Sentence

Great job!

Go back into your drafts and:

1. Spell and Grammar check

2. Add in missing elements to sentence fragments.

3. Fix run on sentences.