Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on?

Key Notes:

Complete Sentences

  • Definition: A complete sentence expresses a complete thought and includes at least a subject and a predicate.
  • Components:
    • Subject: Who or what the sentence is about (e.g., The cat).
    • Predicate: What the subject is doing or what is being said about the subject (e.g., sat on the mat).
  • Example: The dog barked loudly.

Fragments

  • Definition: A fragment is an incomplete sentence that does not express a complete thought. It may be missing a subject, a predicate, or both.
  • Common Types:
    • Dependent Clauses: Often begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although) and do not stand alone.
      • Example: Because I was late.
    • Incomplete Thoughts: Lacks necessary information to make it a complete sentence.
      • Example: While running to the store.
  • How to Fix: Add the missing elements to complete the thought.
    • Example: Because I was late, I missed the beginning of the movie.

Run-On Sentences

  • Definition: A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined incorrectly without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
  • Types:
    • Comma Splice: Using a comma alone to separate independent clauses.
      • Example: I went to the park, I saw my friends.
    • Fused Sentence: Joining independent clauses without any punctuation.
      • Example: I went to the park I saw my friends.
  • How to Fix:
    • Use a Period: Separate the clauses into distinct sentences.
      • Example: I went to the park. I saw my friends.
    • Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction: Join with a comma followed by for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
      • Example: I went to the park, and I saw my friends.
    • Use a Semicolon: Connect closely related independent clauses.
      • Example: I went to the park; I saw my friends.

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