1. Understanding Sentence Fragments:

• Definition: A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.
• Example of a Fragment: After the rain stopped. (Missing the main clause)
• How to Fix: Add the missing components to complete the thought.
  • Corrected Example: After the rain stopped, we went outside.

2. Identifying Run-On Sentences:

• Definition: A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
• Example of a Run-On: I love reading it helps me relax.
• How to Fix:
  • Add a Period: Separate the clauses into two sentences.
    • I love reading. It helps me relax.
  • Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction: Add a conjunction like and, but, or so.
    • I love reading, and it helps me relax.
  • Use a Semicolon: If the clauses are closely related, a semicolon can be used.
    • I love reading; it helps me relax.

3. Using Punctuation Correctly:

• Periods (.)
  • Purpose: To end a complete thought or sentence.
  • When to Use: When separating independent clauses that aren’t closely related.
  • Example: The sun set. We went inside.
• Commas (,):
  • Purpose: To join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, or, for, nor, yet).
  • When to Use: To avoid a run-on sentence by connecting clauses with a conjunction.
  • Example: She wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.
• Semicolons (;):
  • Purpose: To join two closely related independent clauses without using a conjunction.
  • When to Use: When the clauses are closely related and could be separated by a period but are better kept together.
  • Example: The project was challenging; everyone worked extra hours to complete it.
• Colons (:):
  • Purpose: To introduce a list, explanation, or elaboration of the previous clause.
  • When to Use: After a complete sentence that introduces the next part of the sentence.
  • Example: She brought everything she needed for the trip: clothes, toiletries, and snacks.

4. Avoiding Comma Splices:

• Definition: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.
• Example of a Comma Splice: She was tired, she went to bed.
• How to Fix:
  • Use a Period: She was tired. She went to bed.
  • Add a Coordinating Conjunction: She was tired, so she went to bed.
  • Use a Semicolon: She was tired; she went to bed.

5. Combining Sentences Correctly:

• Conjunctions: Use and, but, or, so to join ideas while making sure each clause is complete.
  • Example: The dog barked, and the cat hissed.
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Use words like because, since, although, if to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
  • Example: Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

Let’s practice!