Fragment and Run-Ons Practice
After each sentence, select the option which best describes that sentence. The first option will always be that the sentence is fine. The other options will define the structural flaw and suggest a way of fixing it. Choose the option with the best remedy.
1. Although he had been an often decorated soldier during World War II and had fought many battles for the losing cause of liberalism in Congress.
A. No error
B. Run-on: put a comma after World War II
C. Run-on: put a semicolon after World War II
D. Fragment: put a comma after Congress and finish the sentence.
2. This is going to be the most difficult exam of your college career, you had better start studying for it immediately.
A. No error
B. Fragment: put a comma after immediately and finish the sentence.
C. Run-on: replace the comma with a semicolon.
3. Coach Espinoza really wants this job with Notre Dame University, she is very excited about returning to the college she graduated from.
A. No error
B. Fragment: put a comma after from and finish the sentence
C. Run-on: change that comma to a period and start a new sentence
4. Right after the winter holidays and during those three weeks before class begins in January.
A. No error
B. Fragment: put a comma after January and finish the sentence
C. Run-on: put a comma after holidays
5. She ran into many friends it was a happy day.
A. No error
B. Fragment: the sentence is too short and needs to be finished.
C. Run-on: Split this into two sentences
6. Perplexed by the rising rates of inflation and alarmed by the decline in major construction projects.
A. No error
B. Run-on: put a comma after inflation
C. Fragment: put a comma after projects and finish the sentence
7. Anabel realizes what she is doing, I think, but she is doing it anyway.
A. No error
B. Fragment: we are missing a verb
C. Run-on: change the comma after doing to a semicolon
8. Professor Pepin spends a lot of time translating medieval texts on ancient medicine, however, he also stays informed about the latest developments in modern medicine.
A. No error
B. Fragment: although this is a long sentence, it needs to be completed
C. Run-on: remove the verb from the second independent clause
D. Run-on: change the comma after medicine to a semicolon
Fix the following Sentences – IF NECESSARY. If there is no error, write “no error” on the lines below.
9. Our solar system has nine major planets only one is known to have intelligent life.
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10. Most asteroids are small and far away therefore they are dim and hard to see.
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11. Look through Angelo’s telescope you can see Saturn’s rings.
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12. Please check the position of that star cluster I can’t find it.
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13. Marie is never interested in stargazing during the winter, however, on warm summer nights she often goes to the college observatory.
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14. The Milky Way looks like a dim cloud stretching across the night sky it is actually a huge galaxy containing millions of stars.
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15. Watch the sky closely for several minutes; you are likely to see an artificial satellite pass over.
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16. Louisa pretended to be interested in her brother’s hobby she secretly wished she had stayed home.
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17. Our team worked so hard to win that championship it was the greatest feeling ever when we won.
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18. Some club members were late for the meeting, for example, Tanya and Scott came in at 9:30.
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19. We’ve seen enough for one night pack up the equipment.
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20. I really understand how to fix run on sentences I’ll never write one again.
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