Fixes for problem sentences.

2. Fragments &
Comma Splices

3. Sentence Fragments
Complete sentences consist of an independent clause (can
stand alone) that includes a subject and a verb.
A sentence fragment is missing a subject, a complete verb
(verb + helping verb), or necessary articles, or begins
with a conjunction.

4. Test for a fragment
Step 1: Does the clause have a subject?
No: it is a fragment
Yes: Go to step 2
Step 2: Does the clause have a verb?
No: it is a fragment
Yes: Go to step 3
Step 3: Does the clause begin with a
subordinating conjunction or preposition?
No: You have a complete sentence.
Yes: The clause is a fragment.

5. Examples:
I fell off the curb. On my way to the store.
Student falls off ladder.
Although he fell off the ladder.

6. Repair fragments by
 Attaching the fragment to a nearby sentence or making the
fragment a complete sentence.
I fell off the curb on my way to the store.
I fell off the curb. I was on my way to the store.

7. OR
 Adding whatever the phrase/clause is missing.
Student falls off ladder = A student fell of a ladder.
Although he fell off the ladder = Although he fell off
the ladder, he didn’t get hurt.

8. Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two or more independent
clauses (can stand alone) are incorrectly joined by a
comma.
Splice:
We have a code orange smog alert today, the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

9. Repair comma splices by
 Adding a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, etc.)
We have a code orange smog alert today, so the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

10. OR
 Using a semicolon or period to make the clauses separate
sentences.
We have a code orange smog alert today; the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.
We have a code orange smog alert today. The air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

11.  Be careful with however, therefore, thus, hence, etc.; these
are not coordinating conjunctions.
We have a code orange smog alert today,
therefore the air is unhealthy for
sensitive groups. (comma splice)
We have a code orange smog alert today,
however, healthy people are not at risk. (comma
splice)

12. Fused Sentence
A fused sentence occurs when two or more
independent clauses (can stand alone) are
joined by NO punctuation.
Fused:
We have a code orange smog alert today the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

13.  Fix a fused sentence using the same techniques
used to fix comma splices.

14. Practice
We went to the mall however we didn’t buy
anything.
John built a shed out back he did it by himself.