If instructors have ever returned your papers with “frag,” “S.F.,” “R.O.,” or “run-on” written in the margin, you may find this handout useful. Revision: The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their field, improved their knowledge of obstetrics.Fragments and Run-ons What this handout is about Once identified, the sentence can be corrected easily. Notice here that although the sentence is quite long, it still contains no action (What are the doctors doing?). Here is an example of a fragment with a missing predicate, or action: Example of a fragment: The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their fields, which was obstetrics. Revision: The patient shows no improvement in any of the vital signs. Fragments can be corrected by identifying the missing element and including it. The sentence above is a fragment since there is no subject ( Who shows no improvement?). Example of a fragment: Shows no improvement in any of the vital signs.

Here is an example of a fragment with a missing subject. This missing component may be a subject (usually a noun) or a predicate (verb or verb phrase) and/or when the sentence does not express a complete idea. However you decide to revise for run-on sentences, remember that maintaining sentence variety helps to keep the writing clear and interesting for your readers.Ī sentence fragment is a string of words that does not form a complete sentence there is a necessary component of a complete sentence missing. This option works to cement the relationship between the two parts of the sentence and may improve the flow of the clauses.Įxample: Because I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time. A subordinating conjunction (e.g., 'because,' 'unless,' and 'although') connects two clauses to create a complex sentence. Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause. Revision example: I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had the time. This method emphasizes the relationship between the two clauses. A comma, paired with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., 'and,' 'but,' or 'or'), corrects a run-on sentence.

Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Revision example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time. Using a semicolon is a stylistic choice that establishes a close relationship between the two sentences. Inserting a semicolon between independent clauses creates a grammatically correct sentence. I would write one every day if I had the time.

Revision example: I love to write papers. Check, however, to make sure that this solution does not result in short, choppy sentences. This revision works especially well with longer sentences. The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller sentences using a period. There are several ways to connect independent clauses. There are several easy ways to connect independent clauses.Ī run-on sentence can be fixed by connecting its parts correctly. You can correct a run-on sentence by connecting or separating its parts correctly. Revision: The results of the study were inconclusive therefore, more research needs to be done on the topic. See more examples of this on the semicolon page. To fix this type of comma splice, use a semicolon before the transitional expression and add a comma after it. Sentence 2: More research needs to be done on the topic Transitional expression (conjunctive adverb): therefore Sentence 1: The results of the study were inconclusive Example of a comma splice: The results of the study were inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the topic. Some comma splices occur when a writer attempts to use a transitional expression in the middle of a sentence. Sentence 2: They needed to indicate their preference. Sentence 1: Participants could leave the study at any time. Example of a comma splice: Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma. One common type of run-on sentence is a comma splice. Sentence 2: I would write one every day if I had the time. There are two complete sentences in the above example: Sentence 1: I love to write papers.

Example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected improperly.

What does sentence fragment mean