Sentence Grammar 3: 3 Most Common Errors
The three most common errors that writers share are these: the fragment, the run-on, and the comma
splice.
The Fragment
A fragment is just what it sounds like – a piece of the whole. In writing, when a sentence is
missing a crucial part (a subject, a verb, an independent clause, etc.), it is a fragment.
Some fragments:



We talking about writing errors.
Did my homework last night.
Because I want to.
Fragments are tricky because we use them frequently when we speak (especially dependent
clause fragments). They are unacceptable in writing, however. When you proofread, make sure
that your sentences have all their necessary parts. If parts are missing, add them!
The Run-On
The run-on (or the run-on sentence) is the opposite of a fragment. Where the fragment has too
little information, the run-on contains too much. It has too many subjects, verbs, or clauses. Runons are easily fixed: just chop them up in a way that works. When you proofread, you generally
want 1-2 subjects and verbs per sentence. If you find you have 3-4, you probably have a run-on.
Some run-ons:


We are talking about writing errors we are learning to recognize our mistakes.
He called her she wasn’t there and they broke up but later they got back together now
they are married.
The Comma Splice
The Comma splice is a different kind of run-on. This is a super common mistake! The comma
splice happens when you use a comma between two independent clauses or between what should
be two separate sentences. It’s like a run-on with a comma. It’s not okay, and it’s easily fixable.
Some comma splices:


We are talking about writing errors, we are learning to recognize our mistakes.
He called her, she wasn’t there, and they broke up, but later they got back together, now
they are married.
MORE ON BACK 
3 ways to fix comma splices:
1. Add a period and make simple (but choppy!) sentences:


We are talking about writing errors. We are learning to recognize our mistakes.
He called her. She wasn’t there. and They broke up. but Later they got back together.
Now they are married.
2. Add a semi colon instead of a period:


We are talking about writing errors; we are learning to recognize our mistakes.
He called her; she wasn’t there; and they broke up; but later they got back together; now
they are married.
3. Add one of the FANBOYS to make a compound sentence:


We are talking about writing errors, and we are learning to recognize our mistakes.
He called her, but she wasn’t there. They broke up, but later they got back together, and
now they are married.
You can, in the case of the longer sentence, of course mix and match to your heart’s content
(remember sentence variety).