Definitions
Define a run-on/run-together/fused sentence.
Two or more sentences improperly connected.
I thought I liked him, then I began to know him better.
Yes--"then" starts a new sentence.
He wanted to go swimming while his brother wanted to go hiking instead.
No--it is one sentence.
Changing a comma to a semicolon between two closely related sentences can fix a comma splice.
True
Example:
I saw the dog, it scared me. (Splice)
I saw the dog; it scared me. (Correctly punctuated)
Going to the grocery store without a list in the pouring rain.
Yes, this is a fragment.
Define a comma splice.
Two or more sentences improperly connected with a comma only. Comma splices are types of run-ons.
She ordered the cheeseburger and tots plate, which was her favorite.
No--"which" starts extra information necessary to the sentence.
I packed up the tent and sleeping bags unfortunately i forgot the bug spray.
Yes--"unfortunately" starts a new sentence.
The only way to fix comma splices is by using FANBOYS word.
False--can you name other ways to fix them?
Next I looked at the elephants.
No, this is not a fragment--a complete sentence cn start with "next," "then," or "now."
Define a fragment
An incomplete sentence, lacking a subject, verb, or both. It also might be a fragment because it has a word that keeps it from standing alone in meaning.
She could not eat the whole burger, however, she did not want a doggie bag to take the rest home.
Yes--here "however" starts a new sentence.
He packed up his suitcase; then he walked out the door.
No--the two complete sentences are correctly joined with a semicolon.
"However" always takes a semicolon before it to avoid creating a comma splice.
False--only when however is used between two complete sentences does it need a semicolon.
Examples:
I did not, however, meet his parents. (Correct)
I did not meet his parents; however, I did meet his sister. (Correct)
Because she was a very cranky old lady who hated children.
Yes, this is a fragment.