Sentences are the basic building blocks of communication. When written correctly, they guide the reader smoothly from one idea to the next. However, common pitfalls like sentence fragments and run-ons can disrupt the flow and clarity of your writing. In this blog, we will explore five effective strategies to fix these common grammatical errors, ensuring your writing is clear, concise, and engaging.
Identify the Problem
Before diving into corrections, recognizing when you’re dealing with a sentence fragment or run-on is essential:
- Fragments: These are groups of words that look like sentences but don’t contain a subject and a verb, or they’re dependent clauses trying to stand alone.
- Run-Ons: These are overly long sentences composed of multiple independent clauses incorrectly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
🔎 Note: Sometimes, fragments can be intentional for stylistic effect, but if used incorrectly, they confuse the reader.
1. Complete the Fragment
A fragment often lacks either a subject, a verb, or both. Here’s how to correct a fragment:
- Add a subject or a verb if missing.
- If the fragment is a dependent clause, integrate it into the sentence that precedes or follows it to make it an independent clause.
For example:
- Fragment: "Running through the park." - Complete Sentence: "He was running through the park."
💡 Note: When in doubt, read your sentence aloud. If it doesn't sound complete, it likely isn't.
2. Separate Run-Ons
Run-on sentences can be unwieldy and confusing. Here’s how to fix them:
- Use a period to create two separate sentences.
- Add a semicolon if the clauses are closely related in meaning.
- Use a coordinating conjunction like “and,” “but,” “or” with a comma.
Here are examples:
| Run-On | Corrected |
|---|---|
| I went to the store, bought milk, then I came home. | I went to the store and bought milk, then I came home. |
| She enjoys hiking she often goes on weekends. | She enjoys hiking; she often goes on weekends. |
🔍 Note: Remember, a comma by itself cannot join two independent clauses to create a compound sentence. It must be followed by a coordinating conjunction.
3. Use Dependent Clauses
Transforming an independent clause into a dependent one can help solve run-on problems:
- Insert words like “although,” “because,” “since,” “if,” “unless,” etc., at the beginning of one of the clauses to make it dependent.
For example:
- Run-On: "He decided to take a walk, it was a nice day." - Corrected: "Because it was a nice day, he decided to take a walk."
💡 Note: Dependent clauses can provide additional context but be careful not to overuse them, as it can make sentences complex and hard to follow.
4. Ensure Parallel Structure
When you have lists or comparisons within a sentence, make sure they follow the same grammatical pattern:
- Use similar verb forms, noun forms, or phrase structures to maintain consistency.
Correcting for parallel structure:
- Incorrect: "She likes cooking, to read, and dance." - Correct: "She likes cooking, reading, and dancing."
Parallel structure not only helps avoid fragments but also enhances readability.
5. Rewrite for Clarity
Sometimes, the best way to fix both fragments and run-ons is to rewrite the sentence entirely:
- Evaluate the ideas you want to convey and find a clearer, more concise way to express them.
- Consider splitting complex thoughts into simpler sentences.
Here’s an example:
- Fragment and Run-On: "By the time she finished the project she was exhausted she had to rest." - Rewritten: "By the time she finished the project, she was so exhausted that she had to rest."
🔧 Note: Rewriting can be more time-consuming, but it's often the best way to streamline your message and improve overall readability.
Fixing sentence fragments and run-ons is about more than just following grammar rules; it's about making your message clear, concise, and engaging. By employing the strategies outlined here, you'll enhance your writing's clarity, making it easier for your readers to follow your thoughts and ideas. Whether it's by identifying and completing fragments, separating run-ons, using dependent clauses, ensuring parallel structure, or entirely rewriting for clarity, each method offers a pathway to better writing. Remember, the goal is always to convey your thoughts effectively, and mastering these techniques will significantly contribute to that aim.
What is the difference between a fragment and a run-on sentence?
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A sentence fragment lacks either a subject or a verb or both, while a run-on sentence contains two or more independent clauses improperly joined without the correct use of punctuation or conjunctions.
Can a sentence fragment ever be correct?
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Yes, sometimes writers intentionally use fragments for stylistic effect or to emphasize a point. However, this should be used sparingly and with clear intent to maintain reader comprehension.
What are some common signs of run-on sentences?
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Signs include overly long sentences, a lack of appropriate punctuation between independent clauses, or the use of only a comma (known as a comma splice) to join two complete thoughts.
