Please note that this is an extension of the segment on sentence fragments and run-on sentences first introduced in Editing Abbreviations and Symbols.
A complete sentence has a subject (main idea) and predicate (what does the subject do/what happens to the subject?). Sentence fragments are pieces of sentences—they are incomplete. To make fragments complete, you must add more information.
Example
- And went for a run. (fragment)
- I got up early and went for a run. (complete)
- Our vacation last spring. (fragment)
- Our vacation last spring was so much fun. (complete)
Run-on sentences are the opposite of fragments. They have too much information, and commonly consist of two independent clauses linked with incorrect punctuation. To correct a run-on, you may either separate it into two sentences, or correctly link the clauses.
Example
- I’d really like to go on the hike I’m so tired. (run-on)
- I’d really like to go on the hike, but I’m so tired. (complete)
- Manuel’s tooth was aching, he decided to book a dentist appointment. (run-on)
- Manuel’s tooth was aching, so he decided to book a dentist appointment. (complete)
- Manuel’s tooth was aching. He decided to book a dentist appointment. (complete)
Exercise
Access 2-1 Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences in the Student Resources for some practice.