Run-ons & Comma Splices
Fragments
Subjects & Verbs
Commas
The Essay
100
This piece of punctuation can be used on its own between independent clauses (without a conjunction or transitional expression).
What is a semicolon
100
A dependent clause left on its own as a sentence creates this error.
What is a fragment or sentence fragment
100
This rule means that subjects and verbs must agree in number and person.
What is the subject/verb agreement rule
100
This punctuation mark is used between the city and state in an address.
What is a comma
100
The first paragraph in an essay.
What is an introduction.
200
A conjunction can be used between two independent clauses, but it must be used with this punctuation.
What is a comma
200
A sentence that has a verb and complete meaning lacks this to be a complete sentence.
What is a subject
200
The singular form of the word children that would be used with the verb "is"
What is child
200
A comma should be used after a this type of element, which is dependent and comes at the beginning of a sentence.
What is an introductory element
200
The last paragraph in an essay.
What is a conclusion.
300
Placing only a comma between two independent clauses creates this error.
What is a comma splice
300
Sometimes this type of word causes a "waiting for the other shoe to drop" situation. (like because)
What is a subordinating word
300
This type of noun refers to groups and is sometimes singular and sometimes plural, depending on the meaning of the sentence.
What is a collective noun
300
This phrase can be set off with commas because it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
What is a nonessential modifier
300
The middle paragraphs of an essay that support the thesis and give details.
What are body paragraphs
400
You can break up two independent clauses and separate the with this punctuation mark.
What is a period
400
A sentence that lack a subject, verb, and complete meaning.
What is a fragment
400
The past tense of the "to be" verb "is"
What is "was"
400
A comma must be used with this when placed between independent clauses to avoid a comma splice.
What is a conjunction
400
The sentence that reveals the focus of a paragraph.
What is a topic sentence
500
You can correct a run-on by making one of the independent clauses dependent using this type of word.
What is a subordinating word or subordinator
500
A clause that needs to be connected to a main, independent clause to be a complete sentence
What is a dependent clause or subordinate clause
500
The past tense of the "to be" verb "are"
What is "were"
500
When these items are used in a sentence, they must be set off by commas. For example-- I went to get eggs, milk, and cereal.
What are items in a series.
500
The sentence statement that reveals the point of the essay, usually given at the end of the introduction.
What is a thesis
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