Fragments and
Run-On Sentences
• A sentence fragment is an incomplete
sentence. It may lack a subject, a verb, or
both.
• Alternatively, it may be a subordinate
clause or a phrase that cannot stand
alone.
• Correct it by adding the missing phrase or
words.
• Although he bought the tie for his brother.
(Fragment)
• Although he bought the tie for his brother, he
kept it for himself. (Sentence)
• A run-on sentence contains two or more
complete sentences written as one.
• Incorrect: There was a mistake on our bill,
the server took care of it.
• Correct: There was a mistake on our bill.
The server took care of it.
• Incorrect: I ran into Margaret she is leaving
for Florida tomorrow.
• Correct: I ran into Margaret; she is leaving
for Florida tomorrow.
Run-on Repair
Ways to repair a run-on…
1. We can separate the two clauses into two
sentences.
Run- On: Miranda was the lead vocalist in her
band it was a punk rock band.
Repaired: Miranda was the lead vocalist in her
band. It was a punk rock band.
2. We can replace the comma with a semi-colon.
(comma splice)
Run- On: Gordon laughed at Sandy's joke, it
was lewd.
Repaired: Gordon laughed at Sandy's joke; it
was lewd.
3. We can add a comma and a coordinating conjunction
(and, but, or, for, yet, nor, or so).
Run-On: The night was cold we forgot to bring our
coats.
Repaired: The night was cold, and we forgot to bring
our coats.
4. We can add a comma and a subordinating conjunction
(e.g., after, although, before, unless, as, because, even
though, if, since, until, when, while).
Run-On: Maria and John like skiing Karen does not.
Repaired: Although Maria and John like skiing, Karen does not.
5. We can add a semi-colon, a transition word (e.g., however,
moreover, on the other hand, nevertheless, instead, also,
therefore, consequently, otherwise, as a result), and a
comma.
Run-On: I expected to pay ten dollars for the bus ride to Halifax I
was wrong.
Repaired: I expected to pay ten dollars for the bus ride to Halifax;
however, I was wrong.
• Comma Splice- two complete sentences
joined by only a comma
• Most of the above rules can be adjusted to correct
comma splices.
Keep in mind…
• Short sentences are NOT always fragments.
• Ex. She ran. = complete sentence
• Some fragments contain a lot of words, but they are still
not complete sentences.
• Long sentences are NOT always run-on sentences.
• As long as the punctuation is right, a long sentence can
be grammatically correct.