Name______Date______

The Crucible, Act IV by Arthur Miller

Grammar and Style: Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that may lack either a subject or a verb. Fragments are therefore parts of sentences incorrectly punctuated as though they were complete. A run-on is two or more complete sentences that are not properly joined or separated. To correct fragments and run-ons, follow these steps:

1. Decide if a problematic sentence is a fragment or a run-on.

2. If it is a fragment, add information to make a complete thought or combine the fragment with

another sentence.

3. If it is a run-on, split it into two sentences. You might also add a comma or a conjunction to make it a correct single sentence.

A. PRACTICE: On the space before each number, identify each of the following problematic

sentences as a fragment or a run-on.

______1. Tried to get the prisoners to confess.

______2. Proctor was not guilty he was willing to confess to save his life he wanted to be with his wife and children.

______3. Although he spoke his confession willingly.

______4. Rebecca Nurse bravely willing to die rather than confess to being a witch.

______5. Proctor changed his mind he could not write his confession down and lose his honesty.

B. Writing Application: On the lines below, revise each sentence in Practice A so that it is no

longer a fragment or a run-on.

1. ______

______

2. ______

______

3. ______

______

4. ______

______

5. ______

______


ANSWERS

The Crucible, Act IV by Arthur Miller

Grammar and Style: Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

A. 1. fragment

2. run-on

3. fragment

4. fragment

5. run-on

B. Sample Corrections:

1. Reverend Hale tried to get the prisoners to confess.

2. Proctor was not guilty, but he was willing to confess in order to save his life. He wanted to be with his wife and children.

3. Although he spoke his confession willingly, Proctor refused to write it down and sign it.

4. Rebecca Nurse was bravely willing to die rather than confess to being a witch.

5. Proctor changed his mind; he could not write his confession down and lose his honesty.

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Grade 11, Unit 5