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Writing Handouts 2 (2)

The document provides guidance on identifying and correcting sentence errors, specifically fragments, run-ons, and comma splices. It explains the components of complete sentences and offers examples of common mistakes along with their corrections. Additionally, it includes exercises for practice in correcting these errors.

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Rosine Zgheib
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2 views

Writing Handouts 2 (2)

The document provides guidance on identifying and correcting sentence errors, specifically fragments, run-ons, and comma splices. It explains the components of complete sentences and offers examples of common mistakes along with their corrections. Additionally, it includes exercises for practice in correcting these errors.

Uploaded by

Rosine Zgheib
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Handout 2: Sentence errors (Fragments, Run-ons, Comma Splices)

Sentence Skills - Fragments


We know that sentences need a subject and a predicate in order to express a complete
thought.
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that is missing either one of these main
components of a sentence.
• Example of a fragment that is missing a subject:
Incorrect: Works all day.
Who worked? We don't know the answer to this question! So it needs a subject.
Correct: My mom works all day.

• Example of a fragment that is missing a verb:


Incorrect: Lara to the club.
What about Lara and the club? This needs a verb.
Correct: Lara went to the club.

• Example of a fragment that is missing a complete thought:


Incorrect: Because of the rain.
What happened because of the rain? This is a prepositional phrase and it needs an
independent clause to express a complete thought.
Correct: We couldn't go to school because of the storm.

• Example of a fragment because it is a dependent clause:


Incorrect: While Maria was sleeping
What happened while Maria was sleeping? This is a dependent clause, and it cannot
stand on its own. It needs an independent clause to support it.
Correct: While Maria was sleeping, I was watching a movie. Maria was sleeping is
also a correct because the subordinating conjunction "while" was making it a dependent
clause.

Sentence Skills - Avoiding Run-ons


A run-on is two or more independent clauses that are joined without proper punctuation
to mark the break between them. As a result, the reader is unsure of where one thought
ends and the next one begins.

There are two types of run-ons: Fused sentences and comma splices.
Fused sentences have no punctuation at all to mark the break between the two
independent clauses.
Example: I am taking this English class I want to improve my language skills.

In comma splices, a comma is used to connect the two independent clauses. However,
a comma is not enough; a stronger punctuation mark is needed.
Example: I am taking this English class, I want to improve my language skills.
We can correct run-ons using one of the following methods:
1. Period & a capital letter - Separating the two independent clauses by creating two
simple sentences.
I am taking this English class. I want to improve my language skills.

2. Comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) - creating a
compound sentence.
I am taking this English class, for I want to improve my language skills.

3. Semicolon (;)
I am taking this English class; I want to improve my language skills.

4. Subordination - creating a complex sentence by adding a subordinating conjunction.


I am taking this English class because I want to improve my language skills.
Because I want to improve my language skills, I am taking this English class.

Handout 2: Exercises

A. Correct the following sentence fragments.

1. I really enjoy my free time activities. Such as watching a good movie or reading an
interesting book.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
2. Since he returned from India. He has visited me several times.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
3. Jeremy going to the movies.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
4. Because he likes the popcorn there.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
5. For example, playing video games and going out with my friends.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
6. First of all, to enjoy my free time.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

B. Correct the following run-on sentences.

1. Jessica is a good dancer, Paul is a wonderful singer.


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
2. He went to see the doctor he had high fever.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
3. Jeremy enjoys watching series, he stays up every night to follow his favorite shows.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
4. I don't stay up all night I watch series online whenever I have spare time.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
5. Mr. Brown has anger issues he teaches yoga classes.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

C. Identify the sentence error in each of the sentences below. Specify the type of each
mistake and correct it.
1. _____________Concentrating, studying and participating in class are necessary, if you
want to pass this course.
2. _____________We will continue to face social problems, and suffer from corruption
as long as we don’t change our mentality.
3. _____________Since many people inherently value the art of discourse.
4. _____________They lied to the police about their real whereabouts and they are trying
to hide important evidence about the case.
5. _____________Sometimes lawyers need to hide the truth for the sake of their clients,
however, they can’t do so when under oath.
6. _____________The list of endangered animals is expanding, animals like Rhinos are
now extinct.
7. _____________Scientists reported the discovery of a new species of dinosaur in the
tundra of northern Alaska, scientists have flocked to the new area to investigate and we
are waiting for their official report.
8. _____________Today, after many months of researching and working on my final
dissertation for my MBA.
9. _____________Yesterday, US Airways Flight 1702 changed its flight time, because
they detected engine issues.
10. _____________Arrived here for talks on Friday with his Russian counterpart in a bid
to ease the escalating crisis over the Kremlin’s intervention in Crimea.

D. Fix the sentence errors in the passage below. There are 10 errors.

The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 and it was named after the engineer
Gustave Eiffel. The tower was originally built, because the government wanted to
celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower now the icon of Paris
however the inspiration for it came from the Latting Observatory in New York city.
However, constructing the tower wasn’t easy. One worker lost his life during
construction, but at the time that was a remarkably low casualty number, for a project of
that magnitude. Eiffel’s tower was greeted with skepticism from critics, since thought it
would be structurally unsound. Also, indignation from people who thought the tower
would be an eyesore in the heart of Paris.

E. Read the sentences below carefully. Identify the sentence error and fix it.

1._____________Were suspended today at the university because there was a rally


nearby.
2. _____________He started taking swimming classes when he was 10, since he dreamt
of becoming a professional swimmer.
3. _____________Sandy decided she wanted to become a teacher so she attended a very
reputable university.
4. _____________Many people tried to mediate between both parties, because they
didn’t want any problems in the department.
5. _____________The news of the president assassination is all over social media
networks nevertheless it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
6. _____________This computer doesn't make sense to me, it came without a manual.
7. _____________Students in purple boots and green mittens.
8. _____________Mr. Nguyen has sent his four children to ivy-league colleges, however,
he has sacrificed his health working day and night in that dusty bakery.
9. _____________The personnel director his secretary two weeks ago.
10. _____________Most of those computers in the Learning Center are broken already,
although they have been bought this year.

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