In-class Check for Understanding: Fused Sentences

What is a fused sentence? Choose the best explanation below. There nay be more than one correct answer.

• Two sentences (a.k.a. independent clauses) incorrectly running together.

• Two sentences (a.k.a. independent clauses) incorrectly joined by a comma.

• An independent clause joined with a dependent clause.

• Two dependent clauses fused together to make an incomplete sentence.

Answer explanation

Reminder: An independent clause consists of a subject, verb, and complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A run-on sentence and a comma-splice error are when two independent clauses (ICs) are illegally merged, like the examples below:

Fused Sentence Examples:

Run-on: IC IC.

Comma-splice: IC, IC.

Which sentence below is a comma-splice error?

• A way to fix a comma-splice is to replace the comma with a semicolon, a semicolon can split two independent clauses.

• It is incorrect to separate independent clauses with a comma; it creates a comma-splice error.

• Comma-splices are a common error in writing; however, that doesn't mean the error is acceptable.

• If you want to connect two independent clauses with a comma, you need to include a coordinating conjunction.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence below is a comma-splice error?

• Comma-splices are a problem; they confuse the reader.

• People think the rule to use a comma is to place it where you hear a pause, but that is not a trustworthy rule.

• Comma-splices are a common error, nearly every college essay has a few.

• If you want to get a good grade on your essay, learn how to prevent comma-splice errors.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence below is a run-on sentence?

• Run-on sentences are similar to comma-splices, but they can be more confusing to read.

• People write run-on sentences by running two independent clauses together; they need to be separated.

• Run-on sentences are a sign of poor proofreading, which will leave a bad impression on your reader.

• You can't fix a run-on sentence with just a comma you will simply create a comma-splice error.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1F

Which options are a good way to fix this comma-splice error? Choose all that apply.

It is good to practice editing skills, the skills will help you write effective essays.

• It is good to practice editing skills; the skills will help you write effective essays.

• It is good to practice editing skills; in fact, the skills will help you write effective essays.

• It is good to practice editing skills; which will help you write effective essays.

• It is good to practice editing skills since the skills will help you write effective essays.

• It is good to practice editing skills. The skills will help you write effective essays.

Answer explanation

Tip: You can't put a semicolon before a dependent clause; otherwise, you create a fragment like the example below:

I placed a semicolon here; which was a mistake.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

The writing passage below contains a comma-splice error. Identify the sentence number that contains the error.

¹ Andrea was stressed. ² It was 2:30am, and she only had half of her essay completed. ³ She had procrastinated on writing it. ⁴ Sometimes people can write well under pressure, however, sometimes the pressure causes writer's block. ⁵ She will likely be up all night to finish her essay. ⁶ If she even manages to finish it, she will need luck to earn a decent grade on it. ⁷ In reality, she should have started working on it days ago.

• Sentence #2

• Sentence #4

• Sentence #6

• Sentence #7

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A