English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons
Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify sentence fragments, comma splices, and fused sentences in complex texts.
Differentiate between an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Apply periods and capitalization to separate independent clauses and correct run-on sentences.
Correctly use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) to join two independent clauses.
Effectively use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses.
Revise fragments by either attaching them to an independent clause or rewriting them as complete sentences.
Construct varied and grammatically correct sentences in their own analytical and research writing.
Ever read a sentence that just keeps going and going, leaving you breathless? 😵 Or one that stops abruptly, leaving you hanging? Let&#...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.In 'The Great Gatsby,' Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream.
Dependent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and often begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, since, while).Although he amasses great wealth...
Sentence FragmentAn incomplete sentence that is punctuated as if it were a complete sentence. It may be missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.Because the characters are driven by disillusionment.
Run-on SentenceTwo or more independent clauses that are joined together without proper p...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Fixing Run-ons: Method 1 (Period)
Independent Clause. + Independent Clause.
The simplest way to fix a run-on is to separate the two complete thoughts into two distinct sentences. Use a period after the first independent clause and capitalize the first word of the second independent clause.
Fixing Run-ons: Method 2 (Comma + FANBOYS)
Independent Clause, + (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) + independent clause.
To show a specific relationship (e.g., contrast, cause and effect) between two complete thoughts, join them with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
Fixing Run-ons: Method 3 (Semicolon)
Independent Clause; + independent clause.
Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses. This method suggests a stronger connection betw...
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Challenging
A writer wants to revise this run-on: 'The two poems explore the same theme they use vastly different literary devices.' The writer's goal is to create a sense of contrast and opposition. Which revision best achieves this rhetorical goal?
A.The two poems explore the same theme, and they use vastly different literary devices.
B.The two poems explore the same theme, but they use vastly different literary devices.
C.The two poems explore the same theme; they use vastly different literary devices.
D.Because the two poems explore the same theme, they use vastly different literary devices.
Challenging
Analyze this sentence: 'The author, who won the Nobel Prize for his body of work, often wrote about themes of exile and identity; his own life as a refugee profoundly shaped his perspective.' Why is this sentence grammatically correct and not a run-on?
A.The semicolon correctly joins two dependent clauses.
B.The phrase 'who won the Nobel Prize' makes the first part a fragment.
C.The semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, the first of which contains a non-essential dependent clause.
D.The sentence is actually a comma splice because of the comma after 'work'.
Challenging
A student's research paper contains this passage: 'The translation is not literal, it aims to capture the spirit of the original text. This approach is controversial. Some scholars argue it sacrifices accuracy.' Which revision most effectively combines these ideas into a single, sophisticated sentence?
A.The translation is not literal, for it aims to capture the spirit of the original text, an approach that is controversial because some scholars argue it sacrifices accuracy.
B.The translation is not literal; it aims to capture the spirit of the original text, but this approach is controversial, and some scholars argue it sacrifices accuracy.
C.Because the translation is not literal but instead aims to capture the spirit of the original text, its controversial approach is criticized by some scholars for sacrificing accuracy.
D.The translation is not literal, it aims to capture the spirit of the original text, this approach is controversial, some scholars argue it sacrifices accuracy.
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