Grammar Unit #2 - Sentences
• Today’s Lesson: Common
Sentence Errors - Take 2
1.
2.
3.
Fragments
Run-ons
Comma Splices
2. Run-ons
Run-on Sentences
• A run-on sentence occurs when two or more simple
sentences are combined without correct punctuation.
• Run-on example: The grocery store was really packed
with people there must have been a big sale today.
– Correction #1: The grocery store was really packed with people. There
must have been a big sale today.
• Here, the error has been corrected by simply breaking the run-on sentence into two
simple sentences.
– Correction #2: The grocery store was really packed with people, so there
must have been a big sale today.
• In this case, the sentence has been corrected by adding a conjunction and a
comma. This is a compound sentence.
Let’s Practice: Run-ons
• Could you tell these writers why the run-ons are
incorrect?
• Also, how would you tell the writers to fix them?
1.
We were really busy at the restaurant tonight. I waited
tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30 I never sat down
for even one break.
2.
My dog had to go to the vet today. She cried and cried when
they clipped her toenails but then she wagged her tail when
they gave her a shot.
3.
The book we had to read for class was really long my
teacher doesn’t seem to understand that we have other
classes to read for too.
Answers: Run-ons
• Corrections are in orange:
1. Using Correction #1: We were really busy at the restaurant
tonight. I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30. I
never sat down for even one break.
OR
1. Using Correction #2: We were really busy at the restaurant
tonight. I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30, and I
never sat down for even one break.
2. Using Correction #2: My dog had to go to the vet today. She
cried and cried when they clipped her toenails, but then she
wagged her tail when they gave her a shot.
3. Using Correction #1: The book we had to read for class was
really long. My teacher doesn’t seem to understand that we have
other classes to read for too.
3. Comma Splices
Comma Splices
• Comma splices are similar to run-on sentences because they also
incorrectly connect two simple sentences.
• A comma splice occurs when two simple sentences are
connected with only a comma.
• Comma Splice example: My family bakes together nearly
every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make
together.
– Correction #1: My family bakes together nearly every night. We
then get to enjoy everything we make together.
• The comma splice has been corrected by breaking the sentence into two
separate simple sentences.
– Correction #2: My family bakes together nearly every night, and we
then get to enjoy everything we make together.
• The comma splice has been corrected by adding a conjunction and a
comma. This is a compound sentence.
Let’s Practice: Comma Splices
• The following sentences are comma splices.
For each sentence, suggest two possible
revisions.
1. I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long.
2. She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they
didn’t want a summer wedding.
3. My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud
music is good for stress relief.
Answers: Comma Splice
• Corrections are in orange:
1. Using Correction #1: I didn’t like the movie. It
was way too long.
2. Using Correction #2: She and Jerry didn’t want a
summer wedding, so they are getting married in
the fall.
3. Using Correction #1: My favorite bands are all
really loud. Playing loud music is good for stress
relief.
Class work: Get your writing
folder. Can you find a
sentence error in your
previous writing? Correct it!
Homework: Two-sided
worksheet