Language Arts: Sentence Fragments and Run-On Sentences
Identifying and fixing incomplete and overly long sentences
Language Arts: Sentence Fragments and Run-On Sentences
Identifying and fixing incomplete and overly long sentences
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
Read this group of words: Because the storm lasted all night. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
Look for a complete thought with both a subject and a verb.
This is a fragment because it begins with a subordinating word and does not complete the thought. One correct revision is: Because the storm lasted all night, the game was canceled. - 2
Read this sentence: Maya finished her homework she packed her backpack for school. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
This is a run-on sentence because it joins two complete thoughts without proper punctuation or a conjunction. One correct revision is: Maya finished her homework, and she packed her backpack for school. - 3
Read this group of words: The dog under the porch. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
Check whether the sentence tells what the subject does or is.
This is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought and is missing a complete verb. One correct revision is: The dog hid under the porch. - 4
Read this sentence: I wanted to call my cousin, but I forgot my phone at home. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence?
This is a complete sentence because it contains two complete thoughts joined correctly with a comma and the conjunction but. - 5
Read this sentence: We studied for the test, we felt prepared the next morning. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
A comma by itself cannot join two complete sentences.
This is a run-on sentence because two complete thoughts are joined incorrectly with only a comma. One correct revision is: We studied for the test, so we felt prepared the next morning. - 6
Read this group of words: After the movie ended. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
This is a fragment because it does not finish the idea. One correct revision is: After the movie ended, we walked to the car. - 7
Read this sentence: Jordan plays the violin, and his sister sings in the choir. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence?
Look for correct punctuation and a joining word.
This is a complete sentence because it joins two complete thoughts correctly with a comma and the conjunction and. - 8
Read this sentence: My little brother was tired he fell asleep on the couch. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
This is a run-on sentence because it contains two complete thoughts that are not joined correctly. One correct revision is: My little brother was tired, so he fell asleep on the couch. - 9
Read this group of words: Running through the park on a sunny afternoon. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
Make sure the sentence has someone or something doing the action.
This is a fragment because it is missing a clear subject and does not form a complete thought. One correct revision is: We were running through the park on a sunny afternoon. - 10
Read this sentence: Elena brought snacks for the trip, and Marcus brought a map. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence?
This is a complete sentence because both parts are complete thoughts joined correctly with a comma and the conjunction and. - 11
Read this sentence: The sun set behind the hills the sky turned orange and pink. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
See if the sentence can be split into two complete ideas.
This is a run-on sentence because it joins two complete thoughts without proper punctuation or a conjunction. One correct revision is: The sun set behind the hills, and the sky turned orange and pink. - 12
Read this group of words: While waiting for the bus in the rain. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
This is a fragment because it begins with while but does not complete the thought. One correct revision is: While waiting for the bus in the rain, we shared an umbrella. - 13
Read this sentence: I cleaned my room before dinner. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence?
A complete sentence can stand on its own.
This is a complete sentence because it has a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. - 14
Read this sentence: Sara loves mystery novels her brother prefers science fiction. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
This is a run-on sentence because it contains two complete thoughts joined without correct punctuation. One correct revision is: Sara loves mystery novels, but her brother prefers science fiction. - 15
Read this group of words: The tall tree in our backyard. Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence? Rewrite it correctly if needed.
Add a predicate that tells what the subject does or is.
This is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought. One correct revision is: The tall tree in our backyard provides shade in the summer.