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Introduction to Exercise 4 |
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A fragment is an incomplete sentence because it lacks either a subject, verb or part of the verb phrase, or because it is a dependent clause.
- Example: When realized that it might damage his case, the prosecutor withdrew his request. (lacking a subject)
- Example: The proposal rejected by the committee members. (lacking a part of a verb phrase)
- Example: Although polls show that most people are against raising taxes. (a dependent clause)
To fix a fragment, either attach the fragment to a complete sentence or turn the fragment
into a complete sentence. |
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A run-on sentence is one that contains two independent clauses without punctuation between them.
- Example: Census data for last year show that poverty increased median household income fell by $500.
To fix a run-on, either separate the clauses into two sentences or combine the clauses
using the correct conjunction or punctuation. |
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The most common type of run-on sentence is called a comma splice. It occurs when a comma is used between two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
- Example: Work provides us with earnings, it is also an important part of our personal identity.
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Each of the following passages has problems with fragments, run-ons and comma splices. Click
on the EDIT PASSAGE button and make the necessary changes in the box provided. Click on the
TIPS button for information on how to correct these problems. After typing your answer, click
DONE to compare WHAT YOU WROTE with WHAT WE WROTE. |
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