English II HonorsMs. Swiggett

Understanding Fragments and Run-ons

Review: What is a Sentence?Remember that a sentence has a subject &

a verb, and it expresses a complete thought.

Another term for a sentence is an independent clause.

What is a Fragment?A fragment is a group of words that looks

like a sentence but is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought; therefore, it is an incomplete sentence.

Fragments are considered one of the four major errors in writing.

Trouble SpotsA word group that starts with a preposition

Ex: It’s hard to find time to study. With all of my other work.

A word group that starts with a dependent word (subordinating conjunction)Ex: We got home early. Because we left

early.

Trouble Spots continued. . .A word group that starts with an –ing verb

formI was running as fast as I could. Hoping to

get there on time.

A word group that starts with to and a verbCheri got underneath the car. To change the

oil.

Trouble Spots continued. . .A word group that starts with an example

or explanation of something mentioned in the previous sentenceI am taking several classes this semester.

Such as English, history, and math.I enjoy watching scary movies. For example

Dawn of the Dead and the Friday the 13th movies.

Ways to Correct a FragmentAdd what is missing (subject, verb, or

complete thought)EX: For example, Dawn of the Dead and the

Friday the 13th movies are some of my favorites.

Attach the fragment to the sentence before or after itWe got home early because we left early.I am taking several classes this semester,

such as English, history, and math.

What is a Run-on?A run-on is created when two complete

sentences (independent clauses) are joined together incorrectly (without proper punctuation) and are written as one sentence.

There are two kinds of run-ons: Fused sentencesComma splices

What is a Fused Sentence?A fused sentence is created when two

complete sentences are joined together without any punctuation.Exercising is important it can keep your

weight down.I picked up my laundry then I went home.She had a sore throat she was running a

fever.

What is a Comma Splice?A comma splice is created when two

complete sentences are joined together by only a comma.She started feeling bad on Monday, by

Wednesday, she was running a high fever.I picked up my laundry, then I went home.His job paid well, however, he still couldn’t

make ends meet.

Ways to Correct a Run-On: Add a PeriodAdd a period between the two independent

clauses.I picked up my laundry. Then I went home.She started feeling bad on Monday. By

Wednesday, she was running a high fever.His job paid well. However, he still couldn’t

make ends meet.

Ways to Correct a Run-on: Add a SemicolonAdd a semicolon between the two

independent clauses.I picked up my laundry; then, I went home.His job paid well; however, he still couldn’t

make ends meet.Remember, when using a semicolon, you

must follow these guidelines:A semicolon can only be used where a period

could be used. There must be a complete sentence on either

side of the semicolon.The two sentences must be closely related in

order to be punctuated with a semicolon.Most semicolons are followed by a transitional

word which indicates the relationship of the two sentences.

Ways to Correct a Run-On: Add a Comma & Coordinating ConjunctionUse a comma & coordinating conjunction

between the two independent clauses; if you already have a comma, add a coordinating conjunction (the 2 must go hand-in-hand)I picked up my laundry, and then I went

home.She had a sore throat, and she was running a

fever.

Ways to Correct a Run-On: Add a Dependent WordAdd a dependent word between the two

independent clauses.Exercising is important because it can keep

your weight down.She had a sore throat while she was running

a fever.

English II HonorsMs. Swiggett

Apostrophes: Contractions & Possessives

Why Bother?

We awoke to the smell of grandmother’s cooking.

We awoke to the smell of grandmothers cooking.

Using ApostrophesThere are two uses for apostrophes.1. To form contractions.

do + not = don’t

2. To show possession or ownership. Jean’s essay was good.

’

1. Forming ContractionsI + am = I’mcould + not = couldn’tREMEMBER: The apostrophe marks the

location of the missing letter! Don’t put it in the wrong place!could’nt couldn’tright!

wrong

Contractions and Formal WritingDo not use contractions in formal writing.

Always write the words out.

Informal:

Experts don’t agree on why people can’t seem to stick to their diets.

Formal:

Experts do not agree on why people cannot seem to stick to their diets.

2a. Showing PossessionSingular

• the hat belonging to the girl = the girl’s hat• the coat belonging to the boy = the boy’s

coat• the title belonging to the book = the book’s

title

REMEMBER: You need to add both the apostrophe ' and the s

Tip Even when a singular noun already ends

in -s, you must still add an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive.

• The class’s test scores were high.

• Oscar Lewis’s article was interesting, but I disagree with much of what he said.

2b. Showing PossessionPlural

Form the possessive of plural nouns, including plural names, by adding just an apostrophe. No additional -s is needed after the apostrophe, because the plural noun already ends in an -s.

The five dogs’ water dishes were all empty.

The Stengles’ car is a Subaru.

Here’s the Common MistakeDon’t make a word possessive when it

really is just a plain old plural.

The students’ did well. The students’ success was well

deserved.

X

possessive

plain old plural

Another TipYou don’t always need an apostrophe to

show possession. Personal pronouns do NOT use apostrophes to show possession, only to make contractions.

The dog wagged its tail. (“its” is a personal pronoun meaning “belonging to it”)

It’s really happy today. (“it’s” is a contraction for “it is”)

English II HonorsMs. Swiggett

Underlining/Italics vs. Quotation Marks

Italics and Underlining

Those using MLA (the Modern Language Association documentation format) will use Underlining

Those using APA (the American Psychological Association documentation format) will use Italics

Italics and Underlining act in the same function

When do I underline/italicize?Item•Titles of Books•Plays•Magazines•Newspapers•Films•Television Programs•Radio Programs•Long Poems•Works of Visual Art•Comic Strips•Software•Websites•CD Album Titles

ExampleAmerican PsychoHamletTimeThe Chicago TribuneResident EvilThe Cosby ShowLoveLineBeowulfThe Mona LisaDilbertExcelBarron’s OnlineThe White Album

When do I use quotation marks?ItemEssays from journals, anthologies, etc.Articles from magazines, newspapers, etc.Short StoriesShort PoemsSongsTelevision Program Episodes

Example“The Language of Advertising”“The Seven Deadly Ways to Kiss”“The Body”“The Raven”“Always”“The One Who Got Away”