Fragments, Run-ons, and Comma Splices

Directions

Determine whether each sentence is a fragment, run-on, comma splice, or correct.If the sentence is not correct, you must rewrite the sentence correctly on a separate sheet of paper.

#1

While keeping pets is fun. It is also a big responsibility.

Answer #1While keeping pets is fun.While what?This is, most definitely, a fragment.

Possible Correction

While keeping pets is fun, it is also a big responsibility.

#2The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people they contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.

Answer #2Run-on!

Possible CorrectionThe Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people; they contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.OrThe Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people. They contributed the funds for its construction in Paris.

#3I called John, he didnt know the meeting had been cancelled.

Answer #3Comma Splice

CorrectionsI called John; he didnt know the meeting had been cancelled.I called John, and he didnt know the meeting had been cancelled.I called John. He didnt know the meeting had been cancelled.

#4Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool. Allowing us to turn in late work.

#4 AnswerSentence Fragment

Allowing us to turn in late work= fragment

Possible CorrectionMr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool; he allowed us to turn in late work.

Mr. Webster, our English teacher, was very cool, and he allowed us to turn in late work.

#5I really like the new math teacher, he is really nice.

Answer #5Comma Splice

Possible CorrectionsI really like the new math teacher; he is really nice.I really like the new math teacher. He is really nice.

#6Since I have been back from spring break, I cannot seem to motivate myself to do homework.

Answer #6Complete Sentence

#7The field trip to the zoo has been cancelled. Because of the cold weather.

#7 AnswerFragment

Possible Corrections

Because of the cold weather, the field trip to the zoo has been cancelled.