Basic Grammar Problems
Fragment
This is a phrase or dependent clause that is offered to the reader as if it were a
complete sentence. For example: “While the birth of the baby comes with many
changes.”
The solution: Attach the fragment to another sentence, or transform it into an
independent clause. For example: “While the birth of the baby comes with many
changes, most women can easily deal with the new stress of motherhood.”
Comma Splice/Fused Sentence
A comma splice or fused sentence is the opposite of a sentence fragment. In this
case, the writer is saying too much in one sentence instead of saying too little. For
example: “Postpartum psychosis is the most serious of the postpartum mood
disorders, it is also the most uncommon.” (Comma splice) Or “Postpartum psychosis
is the most serious of the postpartum mood disorders it is also the most uncommon.”
(Fused sentence)
The solution: There are several ways to correct a comma splice or a fused sentence.
 Separate the two parts by using a period.
Postpartum psychosis is the most serious of the postpartum mood disorders.
It is also the most uncommon.
 Separate the two parts by using a semicolon.
Postpartum psychosis is the most serious of the postpartum mood disorders;
it is also the most uncommon.
 Separate the two parts using a connecting word with the appropriate
punctuation.
Postpartum psychosis is the most serious of the postpartum mood disorders,
and it is the most uncommon.
 Change an independent clause to a dependent one and punctuate correctly.
Although postpartum psychosis is the most serious of the postpartum mood
disorders, it is also the most uncommon.
More on Commas—Basically, commas should be used:
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Between items in a series
If the woman has a slumped posture, avoids eye-contact, and appears
agitated…
To set off introductory material
By giving the woman control, the nurse not only fosters independence...
Around interrupters
The nurse can assess for impaired parenting in, not only the mother, but
the infant as well.
Between two complete thoughts, as long as they are separated with a
connecting word
Counseling helps the client to define appropriate actions, and it is a
source of support.
Run-on Sentences
A sentence in which too many dependent and/or independent clauses are joined
together is a run-on. For example: “While the birth of a baby comes with many new
changes, most women can deal easily with the new stress of motherhood because of
the joys that the infant brings to into their lives, but patients suffering from PPD are
unable to handle the stress of new motherhood.”
The solution: Edit the sentence into several shorter sentences.
Agreement Issues
A verb must agree in number with its noun, and a pronoun must agree with what it
refers to. If they don’t agree, then the clarity of the sentence is destroyed. For
example: “The woman’s neglect of her children are also an indication of impaired
parenting.” (The subject is neglect; the verb should be “is,” not “are.”)
Faulty Parallelism:
Parallel ideas need parallel structures. This is especially important in lists. For
example: “The client who is severely depressed finds it difficult to communicate,
maintain relationships, or engaging in a therapeutic alliance,.” is an example of
faulty parallelism in a list. The writer should either use the infinitive form of the verb
(the dictionary form) or the gerund (the ing form), but not both.
We have handouts on these and other common writing problems in
the Writing Center. Please visit us and make use of our tutors and
resources.