Mr. Stratton

ENG2P

Sentence Errors

COMMA SPLICE:

A comma splice is when a comma is used to separate two separate sentences instead of a period, semi-colon or conjunction word (because, and, therefore, but, however, etc).

Example:

(1st sentence) (2nd sentence)

I decided to play hockey today, I wore extra socks because it is cold outside.

(There are TWO sentences here! You cannot just put a comma between two sentences. To fix this, you can put a period (.), a semi-colon (;), or a conjunction word (ex. and).

Correct examples:

I decided to play hockey today. I wore extra socks because it is cold outside.

I decided to play hockey today; I wore extra socks because it is cold outside.

I decided to play hockey today and I wore extra socks because it is cold outside.

RUN-ON SENTENCE

A run-on sentence is like a comma splice, exact there are NO commas. They are a bunch of sentences in a row that are not separated by punctuation marks or conjunction words.

Example:

(1st sentence) (2nd sentence)

Mr. Stratton and Mrs. V went to the Ottawa Senators hockey game they lost because their

goalie played a terrible game.

(Again, there are TWO sentences here! You need to put proper punctuation between to separate two sentences. Remember, a comma is not appropriate here. So, we can use a period (.), a semi-colon (;), or a conjunction word (ex. and).

Correct example:

Mr. Stratton and Mrs. V went to the Ottawa Senators hockey game. They lost because their goalie played a terrible game.

SENTENCE FRAGMENT

A sentence fragment is only a half, or part of a sentence. In other words, it is an incomplete sentence because it either doesn’t have a subject and a verb, or it does not complete a thought.

Example:

Since Julie did not go to the amusement park.

We need the author to complete his or her thought here! The word “since” implies that something happened because she didn’t go to the amusement park, but we are not told what.

Correct example:

Since Julie did not go to the amusement park she was able to finish her English essay.

This example completes the thought and answers what happened “since” she did not go.

Correct the Comma Splices!

Exercises: Each sentence below is wrong; it has a comma splice. Please correct it.


1. The Senators crushed the Maple Leafs last night five to nothing, Mrs. V was happy.


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2. Alex skateboarded to school today, I’m sure he was wearing a helmet.

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3. Kyra used to live in Cambridge, Ontario, Mr. Stratton has many friends in that city.

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4. Grace and Gio both own and love their cats, Caelan is more of a dog person herself.

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5. Sam plays hockey, he likes to play left wing.

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6. Amanda’s favourite sport is volleyball, Jasmine H’s favourite sports are basketball and soccer.

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7. This summer Corrinna went to the new Calypso waterpark, Jasmine N went to North Dakota.

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8. Jacob lived in Carleton Place when he was younger, Cameron used to live in Jamaica.

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9. Ty is a member of the Merivale Football team, he hopes they will have a successful year.
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10. Ryan and Brittan both like to wear hats in class, they are not the same style.

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Sentence Fragment

Mark C for a complete sentence, or mark F for a fragment for each sentence. Make the fragments into complete sentences by adding a subject, a verb, or both, and a period at the end.

  1. I was late for class
  2. As we wait for the rain to stop
  3. When Alex phones
  4. She goes to Centennial College
  5. Until you eat your vegetables
  6. They plan to visit Nova Scotia this summer
  7. Ate at a famous restaurant
  8. Even though I was tired
  9. While working the night shift
  10. For example, hockey and skating
  11. After she finished her essay
  12. Expecting to hear from you soon
  13. Provided that you pass the exam
  14. Before you leave
  15. Although he was shy

Complete the sentence with an appropriate independent clause. Add commas where necessary.

  1. Even though it was raining ______
  2. ______until we bought the car.
  3. If you want to do well in your essay ______
  4. Having moved to a new country ______
  5. ______before I change my mind.
  6. Although she was late ______.
  7. ______because he studies regularly.
  8. ______like baseball, basketball, and volleyball.
  9. ______after I proofread it.
  10. ______as soon as I finish the assignment.

Run-On Sentences

Correct each of the following run-on sentences by using proper punctuation or a proper conjunction word.

1.  I washed the dishes then I did the laundry.

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2.  Those skirts are nice I will buy one.

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3.  There was no heat, consequently we froze all night.

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4.  It was my best friend’s birthday I gave her a present.

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5.  He asked for a raise she got it.

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6.  She is a good mother, she pays attention to her children.

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7.  My paper is late thus it will lose marks.

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8.  Students write essays, teachers correct them.

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9.  The teacher raised his voice, he was frustrated.

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10. The movie was hilarious, I saw it three times.

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