Page 232 - Grammar for Great Writing B

Appendix 6 Sentence Problems

Sentence Fragments
Definition Solution

A sentence fragment is a group of Add a subject.
words that is not a complete sentence. 7 A fungus is not an animal. Is an organism belonging
A fragment is usually missing either a to a group called Fungi.
subject or a verb, or it is a dependent
clause. A dependent clause is never a 3 A fungus is not an animal. It is an organism
complete sentence. belonging to a group called Fungi.

To correct a sentence fragment: Combine two clauses.
• add a subject or verb, or 7 Charles Darwin traveled to the Galapagos Islands.
Because he wanted to study the unique creatures.
• combine two clauses
3 Charles Darwin traveled to the Galapagos Islands
because he wanted to study the unique creatures.

Run-on Sentences
Definition Solution

A run-on sentence is two sentences Separate into two sentences.
incorrectly joined without a comma and 7 The three branches of the United States government are
coordinating conjunction (and, but, or so). the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches
To correct a run-on sentence: the president is part of the Executive branch.
• add a comma and a connecting word, or 3 The three branches of the United States government are
• add a period to separate the sentence the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches.
into two sentences The president is part of the Executive branch.

Comma Splices

Definition Solution
A comma splice occurs when two or more Add a connecting word.
sentences or independent clauses are 7 Michelangelo created his statue David in 1504, it is
connected with a comma. considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.
To correct a comma splice: 3 Michelangelo created his statue David in 1504, and it
• add a connecting word after the is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.
comma, Create two sentences.
• create two sentences from the one, or
3 Michelangelo created his statue David in 1504. It is
• combine the most important words considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.
into one sentence and add a
subordinating conjunction (because, Add a subordinating conjunction.
since, although) 7 Astronauts usually stay on the International Space
Station for only four to six months, being in zero
gravity is hard on the human body.
3 Because being in zero gravity is hard on the human
body, astronauts usually stay on the International
Space Station for only four to six months.

222 Appendix 6

Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. WCN 02-200-203
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