SENTENCE ERRORS

1.  Fragments

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence; it lacks either a subject, a verb, or both. The type of sentence fragment produced by ESL students is often a subordinate clause detached from the main clause.

• Even with disguises and intricate systems of personal security.
• When people eat and drink to excess.
• Since the cost of living is so high in Hawaii.
• Having suffered all day from a migraine headache.
• The doctor, who is a prominent member of society.

2. Run-Together Sentences

       When two sentences are written as one with no punctuation between (nor an                    appropriate conjunction), you have a run together sentence.

• My back hurts it is weak.
• This is my last course / graduate next month.

To correct:

a) Use an appropriate conjunction.

b) Separate the two sentences with a period.

c) Separate the two sentences with a semicolon.

3. Comma-Splice

When two sentences are separated by only a comma, the result is a comma splice.

• He ate chicken that was not cooked properly, it made him sick.
• / read many books when / was a child, my favourite books were about animals.

To correct: 

a) Use an appropriate conjunction.

b) Separate the two sentences with a period.

c) Change the comma to semicolon.