This document discusses sentence fragments, comma splices, and fused sentences. It defines each type of error and provides tests and examples to identify them. It then explains different ways to repair each type of error, such as attaching fragments to nearby sentences, adding missing words, using coordinating conjunctions or punctuation to join independent clauses, or separating clauses into individual sentences.

2. Fragments &
Comma Splices

3. Sentence Fragments
Complete sentences consist of an independent clause (can
stand alone) that includes a subject and a verb.
A sentence fragment is missing a subject, a complete verb
(verb + helping verb), or necessary articles, or begins
with a conjunction.

4. Test for a fragment
Step 1: Does the clause have a subject?
No: it is a fragment
Yes: Go to step 2
Step 2: Does the clause have a verb?
No: it is a fragment
Yes: Go to step 3
Step 3: Does the clause begin with a
subordinating conjunction or preposition?
No: You have a complete sentence.
Yes: The clause is a fragment.

5. Examples:
I fell off the curb. On my way to the store.
Student falls off ladder.
Although he fell off the ladder.

6. Repair fragments by
 Attaching the fragment to a nearby sentence or making the
fragment a complete sentence.
I fell off the curb on my way to the store.
I fell off the curb. I was on my way to the store.

7. OR
 Adding whatever the phrase/clause is missing.
Student falls off ladder = A student fell of a ladder.
Although he fell off the ladder = Although he fell off
the ladder, he didn’t get hurt.

8. Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two or more independent
clauses (can stand alone) are incorrectly joined by a
comma.
Splice:
We have a code orange smog alert today, the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

9. Repair comma splices by
 Adding a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, etc.)
We have a code orange smog alert today, so the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

10. OR
 Using a semicolon or period to make the clauses separate
sentences.
We have a code orange smog alert today; the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.
We have a code orange smog alert today. The air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

11.  Be careful with however, therefore, thus, hence, etc.; these
are not coordinating conjunctions.
We have a code orange smog alert today,
therefore the air is unhealthy for
sensitive groups. (comma splice)
We have a code orange smog alert today,
however, healthy people are not at risk. (comma
splice)

12. Fused Sentence
A fused sentence occurs when two or more
independent clauses (can stand alone) are
joined by NO punctuation.
Fused:
We have a code orange smog alert today the air is
unhealthy for sensitive groups.

13.  Fix a fused sentence using the same techniques
used to fix comma splices.

14. Practice
We went to the mall however we didn’t buy
anything.
John built a shed out back he did it by himself.