L.4.1f Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting
inappropriate fragments and run-ons.
Definition:
Sentence Fragment: A sentence that cannot stand on its own is considered a sentence fragment.
Sentence Run-on: A sentence containing two or more independent sentences, without a conjunction or
punctuation is considered a run-on sentence.
Sentence Fragments:
1. Incorrect use: You can suck a. (This is making you think that what you are sucking is
inappropriate, and it is not a complete sentence).
Correct version: You can suck a Jolly Rancher.
2. Incorrect use: However, if you look into the man’s eyes. (This kind of incomplete sentence is
common. People think that it is a complete thought but it isn’t. They must add a closer to make
it correct).
Correct version: However, if you look into the man’s eyes, you might realize just how cool he
truly is.
Sentence Run-ons:
1. Incorrect use: I am thirsty I have nothing to drink. (There is no punctuation or conjunction
between thirsty and I).
Correct version: I am thirsty. I have nothing to drink.
2. Incorrect use: I am thirsty, I have nothing to drink. (This is an example of a comma splice. You
may not separate two sentences with a comma).
Correct version: I am thirsty, and I have nothing to drink.
Braeden/Nick 2013
YOUR TURN
Try writing a sentence fragment ___________________________________________________________________
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Now correct your fragment ___________________________________________________________________
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Now try writing a run-on sentence ___________________________________________________________________
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Correct your run-on ___________________________________________________________________
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Braeden/Nick 2013