Comma splices, Run-ons, & Fragments

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

How can a comma splice be corrected?

Back

A comma splice can be corrected by using a coordinating conjunction, changing the comma to a semicolon, or making one of the clauses dependent.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

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

Front

How can a run-on sentence be fixed?

Back

A run-on sentence can be fixed by adding a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction between the clauses.

Front

What is a fragment?

Back

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

Front

How can a fragment be corrected?

Back

A fragment can be corrected by adding the missing subject or verb or by attaching it to a complete sentence.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses, such as 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet'.

Front

What punctuation is used to separate independent clauses when using a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses.

Front

What is the difference between a complete sentence and a fragment?

Back

A complete sentence expresses a complete thought and has at least a subject and a verb, while a fragment does not.

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon in sentence structure?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.