Name: _______________________________
6B- _____
Date: ______________________________
Grammar: Sentence Errors: Comma Splices, Fragments, Run-Ons
Varying Sentence Beginnings
Active Action Verbs / Vivid Verbs
PART I: Sentence Errors: Comma Splices, Fragments, Run-Ons
Directions: USE PENCIL. Revise each of the following sentences errors on the space provided.
1. Run-On: A run-on sentence is NOT necessarily a sentence that is too long; a run-on
sentence occurs when two or more sentences are joined together without the proper punctuation
and / or without a joining word. In effect, one sentence “runs on” into the next.)
Run-On Pattern: (Sentence) (sentence).
Ex: Killer Kane is a violent man he killed his wife he kidnapped his son.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Comma Splice: A comma splice occurs when two or more sentences are joined together, or
“spliced,” with a comma but without a joining word.
Comma Splice Pattern: (Sentence), (sentence).
Ex: Max runs into the millpond, he and Kevin barely escape.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Fragment: A fragment is an incomplete sentence; it is a group of words that is meant to be a
correct sentence but is not; usually, a fragment lacks a complete subject or a complete verb;
sometimes a fragment is missing some other necessary part.
Fragment Pattern: Fragments vary in style. There isn’t really a “pattern” to them.
Ex: Because the most athletic kids played for the same team.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(over)
PART II: Varying Sentence Beginnings
Directions: USE PENCIL. Read the notes that follow. Then revise each practice sentence.
Introductory Expressions: A single word or a group of words that a writer uses to set up, or
introduce, a sentence. Introductory expressions are not usually grammatically essential, but they
can add variety and “flow” to your writing. Additionally, introductory expressions can increase
the complexity of your ideas, making them more specific, interesting, connected, or simply just
more rhythmic. In most cases, writers should put a comma after an introductory expression.
*Some of the bulleted examples below will fit in more than one category. I’ve
separated them mainly to try to make your writing life simpler for you.
1. Transition Word: A word that shows the relationship between two sentences,
especially when the relationship regards similarity or difference (likewise,
similarly, contrarily, instead, unlike, yet, whereas); time order (first, next,
finally, previously, afterward, beforehand); spatial order (a position: here,
there, below, nearby); cause and effect (accordingly, consequently, hence, thus,
therefore); scope (specifically, namely, generally); addition (additionally, plus,
furthermore, moreover); or conclusion (ultimately, finally, overall, altogether).

I studied for the test. Nonetheless, I found it challenging.

Yoga offers peace of mind. Additionally, it strengthens muscles.

Kenny searched his bedroom for hours, looking for his missing homework
assignment. Consequently, he was late for homeroom that morning.
A. Add two appropriate transition words to the following: Joey had to make dinner.
He bought the ingredients. He combined them into a treat.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
B. Add three appropriate transition words to the following: Mary took three steps to
heal. She got plenty of sleep. She drank plenty of fluids. She had miso soup.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(next)
2
2. Transitional Phrase: A few words that show the relationship between sentences,
especially when the relationship regards similarity or difference (in a similar
fashion, on the contrary); time order (at first, following this, in the end); spatial
order (a position: from here, at this point); cause and effect (as a result; in turn;
due to _____ ; for this reason); addition (in addition; as well as _____ ; not only
_____ , but _____ ); scope (in particular, more specifically, in fact, in general,
generally speaking); or conclusion (in the end, as it turns out).

Dogs tend to require plenty of attention to be happy. On the contrary, cats
can be solitary creatures who thrive on independence.

Mr. Hilpert grades essays during our vacations. As a result, he is as pale as a
ghost when we he returns to school.

English class benefits students in many ways. For example, it’s a sleep aide!
A. Add three appropriate transitional phrases to the following: The flooding
happened gradually. We noticed a drizzle of rain. The rain fell steady. It came
down in torrents.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Prepositional Phrase: A few words (2 or more) in a row that “stick together” to
describe, add detail to, or change another word. Prepositional phrases start with
a preposition (above, across, against, at, behind, below, beneath, down, during,
from, in, near, like, of, off, on, over, past, through, to, toward, under,
underneath, unlike, with, without, etc.) and end with a noun (or pronoun).

Before the game, Ella stretched and took some practice swings.

On Saturday, Claire went to the beach. In the waves, she spotted a surfer.

At my house, Bob and I played on my trampoline. After that, we studied for
the social studies quiz. By my bedtime, I was exhausted.
A. Add three appropriate prepositional phrases to the following: I went for a hike. I
ate tofu. I drove my Prius.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(over)
3
4. Participial Phrase / Adjectives: A group of words that describes the subject that
follows it. Adjectives are simply adjectives. Participial phrases start with
adjectives (often –ed or –ing adjectives) but then add other words.

Curious about the dioramas, Joey and his father raced toward the Museum of
Natural History with cash in hand, ready to explore its treasures!

Eager to please his mother, Tommy makes his bed and cleans his room
fastidiously.

Troubled by the recent developments in Washington DC, the senator prepared
a rousing speech to deliver at the dinner.

Challenging but valuable, math class requires that students display a
conscientious attitude and probing higher-order thinking skills.

Towering and majestic, the mountains stand over the village like trustworthy
guardians and protectors against the threats that lie beyond their ridges.
A. Add an appropriate participial phrase or a pair of adjectives to the following: I
went to English class. (Be nice!)
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
B. Add an appropriate participial phrase or a pair of adjectives to the following: I
went to math class.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
C. Add an appropriate participial phrase or a pair of adjectives to the following: I
went to the mall.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
D. Add an appropriate participial phrase or a pair of adjectives to the following: I
went to a sleepover party at my best friend’s house.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(next)
4
5. Dependent Clause: A group of words that starts with a joining word
(subordinating conjunction: after, although, assuming that, because, even
though, if, once, provided that, since, though, unless, when, whenever, while,
etc.) and is followed by a subject (noun or pronoun) acting on a verb.
Dependent Clause Pattern: [ Conjunction + (sentence) ] , main sentence.

After I finished doing my homework and washing the dishes, I threw myself
onto the couch and watched mindless television with delight!

Because the restaurant is near my house, I eat there regularly.

Provided that you listen carefully to me, I will gladly help you.

Although I absolutely love Vermont, I live near my family in New York.

If my coach benches me, I’ll spend the free time diversifying my stock
portfolio or opening my chakras.

Unless the weather is poor tomorrow, I’ll go to the beach and manufacture
some vitamin D for myself.
A. Add an appropriate dependent clause to the following: I exercised.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
B. Add an appropriate dependent clause to the following: I ate kale.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
C. Add an appropriate dependent clause to the following: I ate a steak.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
D. Add an appropriate dependent clause to the following: I’ll listen to talk radio.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(over)
5
PART III: Using Active Action Verbs / Vivid Verbs
Directions: USE PENCIL. Read the notes that follow. Then use them to help you revise the
practice sentences on the spaces provided.
Action Verbs: Action verbs express motion. Active or vivid action verbs convey motion in
exciting, clear, dramatic, or lively terms. Active verbs animate writing; they electrify sentences;
they dazzle readers. Read the previous sentences for examples of active, or vivid, verbs. Writers
can  and should  revitalize dull language with active verbs.
Linking Verbs / State of Being Verbs: Linking verbs, or state of being verbs, don’t convey
action. Instead, linking verbs suggest a state of being. Essentially, linking verbs connect, or
link, a subject to its state of being. Linking verbs are useful, but, if you rely on them too often,
your writing can feel “listy” or lifeless.
Common linking verbs include forms of the irregular verb to be: was, were, am, is,
are, be, being, been.
Exs: I am a teacher. My wife is Julia. She is an art director. We are a happy
couple. My daughter is Tillie. She can be playful. She is also happy.
Remember: WASABI
A. Revise the following sentences by replacing linking verbs with more vivid verbs:
Maria was a chef. Her meals were delicious. They will be on the table shortly.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
B. Revise the following sentences by replacing linking verbs with more vivid verbs:
Elaine is funny and clever. She is a writer. Her stories are famous. They will be in a
new book. It is at our local bookstore. The name of the store is Village Books.
Revision: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6