Sentence Structure

Fragment

 A fragment is an INCOMPLETE THOUGHT that is punctuated as a sentence.

 Example:  Jumped over the moon.

 The dog with yellow hair.

 The donkey on the wall.

Run-on sentence

 A run-on sentence is a sentence that is not punctuated correctly.  Example: - Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year it is a time to celebrate the Pilgrims and Indians first dinner.

Comma splice

 A comma splice occurs when YOU are trying to separate two or more independent clause by using a comma.

 Example: - Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year, it is a time to celebrate the Pilgrims and Indians first dinner.

 

How do I correct run-ons and comma splices??

You can correct run-ons and comma splices like this…    By using a F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. and a comma By using a semicolon ( ; ) REMEMBER, if you use a semicolon, make sure it is a complete, flowing thought; not a choppy thought.

A conjunctive adverb with a semi-colon Example of a corrected run-on -Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year; it is a time to celebrate the Pilgrim and Indian first dinner.

 Example of a corrected comma splice Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year, and it is a time to celebrate the Pilgrims and Indians first dinner.

Simple sentence

 A simple sentence contains one independent clause and NO subordinate clause.

 Example:  Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year.

 A simple sentence is NOT..

 Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year that my family loves.

Compound sentence

  A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses and NO subordinate clause.

Example: - Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year, and it is a time to celebrate the Pilgrims and Indians first dinner.

-This is NOT a compound sentence..

- During Thanksgiving, my family cooks and eats dinner with friends.

Punctuating compound sentences

 You can punctuate compound sentences 3 ways:  By using a F.A.N.B.O.Y. and a comma  By using a semicolon ( ; )  REMEMBER, if you use a semicolon, make sure it is a complete, flowing thought; not a choppy thought.

 Using a conjunctive adverb

Punctuating Compound Sentences

 Remember, you can use a conjunctive adverb to separate a compound sentence.

 Hint- Conjunctive adverbs are normally transition words.

 Example:  Uncle James plays in a rock band; however, they still play in their garage.

Examples for using semicolons

 It is suppose to rain today; in fact, it may rain all night  It will rain today, and it will rain tomorrow.

 The weather man has forecasted it rain; it may flood. (correct)  The weather man has forecasted it rain; it flooded in Memphis. (incorrect)

Complex Sentences

 A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

 Example  Because of the rain, Mrs. Paige’s hair was frizzy all day.

Complex sentence

 A complex sentence will have one of the following subordinate clauses:  Noun clause- Whomever did not take notes on Friday will take notes on Monday.

 Adjective clause- I wore a shirt that has multiple colors.

 Adverb Clause- I will go walking after the storm.

Compound-Complex sentence

 A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

 Example  Because of the rain, Mrs. Paige’s hair was frizzy all day; therefore, she placed her hair into a ponytail.