SENTENCE BOUNDARIES What is a sentence and whats

SENTENCE BOUNDARIES What is a sentence and what’s not

FRAGMENTS Fragments are incomplete sentences. Usually, fragments are pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. One of the easiest ways to correct them is to remove the period between the fragment and the main clause. Other kinds of punctuation may be needed for the newly combined sentence.

EXAMPLES OF FRAGMENTS AND POSSIBLE CORRECTIONS Fragment: Mc. Henry County College offers many classes. Such as English, chemistry, and history. Possible Revision: Mc. Henry County College offers many majors in engineering, such as English, chemistry, and history. Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well. Possible Revision: I need to find a new roommate because the one I have now isn't working out too well. http: //www. newgrounds. com/portal/view/124920

RUN-ONS AND COMMA SPLICES Run-ons, and comma splices (sometimes referred to as fused sentences) are all names given to compound sentences that are not punctuated correctly. Sentences that have been put together (with either a comma or without any punctuation) when they shouldn’t have been. � For example: He enjoys walking through the country he often goes backpacking on his vacations. The best way to avoid such errors is to punctuate compound sentences correctly by using one or the other of these rules.

RULE #1 Join the two independent clauses with one of the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, nor, so, yet), and use a comma before the connecting word. __________, and _________. For example: He enjoys walking through the country, and he often goes backpacking on his vacations.

RULE #2 When you do not have a connecting word (or when you use a connecting word other than and, but, for, or nor, so, or yet between the two independent clauses) use a semicolon (; ). _____________; _________. � For example: He often watched TV when there were only reruns; she preferred to read instead. or ___________; however, _________. � For example: He often watched TV when there were only reruns; however, she preferred to read instead.

S O… Comma Splices incorrectly join two independent clauses with a comma. Run-ons and fused sentences are terms describing two independent clauses which are joined together with no connecting word or punctuation to separate the clauses. � � Incorrect: They weren't dangerous criminals they were detectives in disguise. Correct: They weren't dangerous criminals; they were detectives in disguise. Incorrect: I didn't know which job I wanted I was too confused to decide. Correct: I didn't know which job I wanted, and I was too confused to decide. Incorrect: I really like grape juice it is so darn sweet. Correct: I really like grape juice. It is so darn sweet. � Adapted from the Purdue University OWL website � �