SENTENCE ERRORS

1
SENTENCE ERRORS!

• Fragment
• Comma splice
• Fused/run on

2

• To understand these errors, one must first be
  able to recognize a sentence.

3

• A sentence is an independent clause

4

• A clause is a group of words with a subject and
  main verb.
• A clause can be independent or dependent.

5

• Clauses begin as independent clauses. They are
  recognizable as having a subject and main verb
  and as being able to function as a sentence.

6
Independent clause

• He ran.
• I want to sing.
• The boy will learn to drive.
• The children are playing.

7
Dependent clauses

• A clause become dependent when it functions as a
  part of an independent clause.

8
Dependent clause

• A dependent clause is typically introduced by a
  subordinating conjunction
• Because I study hard, I make As in every class.
• Or
• a question word (not introducing a question)
• I have a friend who is studying French.

9
Dependent clause

• It is easy to recognize the question words not
  asking a question. They are who, whom, which,
  what, why, when, where, how, and whose.
• Who is that? (asking a question)
• I know who that is. (not asking a question)

10
Dependent clauses with question words

• 1. I know the man who is running for president.
• 2. The child wondered why the sun rises in the
  east.
• 3. Whichever time works best for you will be fine
  for me.
• 4. When the time comes, I will be ready.

11
Dependent clauses

• Here is a test to see whether the introductory
  word is a subordinating conjunction. It is that
  a subordinating conjunction must come at the
  beginning of its clause. Adverbs can move in the
  clause, but subordinating conjunctions are fixed.

12
Dependent clauses with subordinating conjunctions

• Because I failed Spanish, I have to retake it.
• The child left the party after the piñata was
  broken.
• If the horse bolts, the rider will fall off.
• I know that the water is hot.
• Unless you study and complete your homework, you
  will not pass this course.

13
Dependent clauses with subordinating conjunctions

• Notice that you cant move the subordinating
  conjunctions in their clauses.
• I because failed Spanish, I have to retake it.

14
Adverbs that move

• Notice how the adverb can move in its clause.
• I like Chinese food however, I do not like to
  fix it.
• I, however, do not like to fix it.
• I do not, however, like to fix it.

15

• Now you know independent and dependent clauses we
  can look at fragments, comma splices and
  fused/run ons.

16
Fragment

• Anything punctuated like an independent clause
  (sentence) which is NOT a sentence.

17

• Do you remember the correct punctuation for
  sentences (independent clauses)?

18
Punctuation

• . C
• or
• 2.
• or
• 3. , coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
• or
• 4. but a colon is special. It works in
  limited situations.probably you wont use it.

19
Fragment

• Anything punctuated like an independent clause
  (sentence) which is NOT a sentence.
• Correction? 1. Change the punctuation (delete
  period or semicolon)
• or
• 2. make or add an independent clause

20
Comma splice

• Two independent clauses joined with comma only.
• Correction? 1. Make the comma a period,
• or
• 2. Make the comma a semicolon,
• or
• 3. Add a FANBOYS

21
Fused/run on

• Two independent clauses joined with NO
  punctuation
• Correction? Add correct punctuation
• 1. . C
• or
• 2.
• or
• 3. , coordination conjunction (FANBOYS)

22
REVIEW

• Fragmentpunctuated like an independent clause,
  but isnt.
• Change punctuation or make independent
• Comma splicetwo independent clauses joined with
  comma
• Change comma or add FANBOYS
• Fused/run ontwo independent clauses joined with
  nothing.
• Add correct punctuation