Understanding Fragments and Run-ons.ppt

Understanding Fragments and Run-ons Brenham Writing Room Created by D. Herring Review: What is a Sentence? Remember that a sentence has a subject a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. Another term for a sentence is an independent clause. What is a Fragment? A fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought; therefore, it is an incomplete sentence. Fragments are considered one of the four major errors in writing! Trouble Spots A word group that starts with a preposition It’s hard to find time to study. With all of my other work. A word group that starts with a dependent word (subordinating conjunction) We got home early. Because we left early. Trouble Spots continued. . . A word group that starts with an –ing verb form I was running as fast as I could. Hoping to get there on time. A word group that starts with to and a verb Cheri got underneath the car. To change the oil. Trouble Spots continued. . . A word group that starts with an example or explanation of something mentioned in the previous sentence I am taking several classes this semester. Such as English, history, and math. I enjoy watching scary movies. For example Dawn of the Dead and the Friday the 13th movies. Ways to Correct a Fragment Add what is missing (subject, verb, or complete thought) EX: For example, Dawn of the Dead and the Friday the 13th movies are some of my favorites. Attach the fragment to the sentence before or after it We got home early because we left early. I am taking several classes this semester, such as English, history, and math. What is a Run-on? A run-on is created when two complete sentences (independent clauses) are joined together incorrectly (without proper punctuation) and are written as one sentence. There are two kinds of run-ons: Fused sentences Comma splices What is a Fused Sentence? A fused sentence is created when two complet