Page 12 - English Grammar and Composition-Student Textbook short

Practice 3A: Recognizing Fragments, Run-Ons, and Comma Splices

Write “CS” in the field under each comma splice, “RO” in the field under each run-on sentence, and
“F” in the field under each fragment. Some sentences are correct. You may mark these as “C.”

1. Shakespeare’s plays can be grouped as comedies, tragedies, and histories, Hamlet is a tragedy.
2. There was food left over, however, everyone had plenty to eat.
3. Some educated people believe in witchcraft, I am not one of them.
4. The zoo is a wonderful experience for everyone, you should go.
5. Through the breezeway and into the garage.
6. Mother got a letter from Aunt Esther, she is coming next week.
7. Eric is a brave boy, he doesn’t complain about his illness.
8. We are still good friends, unfortunately we don’t go to the same school anymore, but we still get
together.
9. Threw the newspaper onto the ground.
10. The Secretary of State arrived in Geneva, he was supposed to sign a treaty.
11. Hepatitis is serious, you should see your doctor.
12. I baked oatmeal cookies they had raisins in them, too.
13. The symphony, which the orchestra played.
14. Mark Twain wrote Tom Sawyer, it is a funny book.
15. The war lasted ten years many young men were killed.
16. After the dinner bell rang.
17. Our elm tree must be cut down, it has Dutch elm disease.
18. I lost my brother’s football, he’s going to be angry.
19. The cost of cleaning up polluted lakes is high; however, the benefits are great.
20. The most expensive hotel in Boston.
21. A child who feels secure at home will develop a positive character; for example, a child who is
loved at home will show love to others.
22. I go to bed at 10:00 otherwise I can’t get up in the morning.
23. Jerry is in the hospital, let’s visit him.
24. We named our dog Toto, that’s the name of the dog in The Wizard of Oz.
25. I can’t find my math book, I’ll have to clean out my locker.
26. Tom Seaver was traded and I was surprised.
27. My driver’s license was revoked I can’t drive to the game.
28. Julie has a full-time job, she’ll have to go to night school.
29. Sixteen years, an acceptable length of time.
30. The gas tank was full. Ready for the trip.

Practice 3B: Working with Fragments, Run-Ons, and Comma Splices

Fix the following run-on sentences:

A. I was going to go to lunch but I wasn’t done entering information into the computer at the clinic so I decided to
finish but by the time I went to lunch, the crew had already cleaned up.
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