ACT English run-ons and fragments

What defines a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

True or False: "I love to read I go to the library often."

True. This is a run-on sentence; it needs a conjunction or punctuation.

Identify the run-on: "She likes coffee he prefers tea."

This is a run-on. Correct it by adding a conjunction: "She likes coffee, but he prefers tea."

How can you correct a run-on sentence?

- Use a period - Use a semicolon - Use a conjunction

Fill in the blank: A run-on sentence merges __________ clauses incorrectly.

independent

What punctuation can help fix this run-on? "It's raining I will stay inside."

A semicolon: "It's raining; I will stay inside."

True or False: Run-on sentences can be fixed by adding commas alone.

False. Commas alone do not fix run-ons; a conjunction or other punctuation is needed.

Example of run-on: "She enjoys hiking he likes biking." Correct it.

Corrected: "She enjoys hiking, and he likes biking."

What is a comma splice?

It's a type of run-on where two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.

Choose the correct fix: "I went to the store I forgot my wallet."

Fix: "I went to the store, but I forgot my wallet."

Identify the error: "We visited the museum it was closed."

This is a run-on. Correct by adding a conjunction: "We visited the museum, but it was closed."

True or False: Longer sentences are always run-ons.

False. Sentence length does not determine if a sentence is a run-on.

What can cause confusion in writing?

Run-on sentences can confuse readers by combining unrelated thoughts.

Fill in the blank: A run-on can confuse the __________ of the sentence.

meaning

Example: "He loves to cook he also enjoys baking." Fix it.

Corrected: "He loves to cook; he also enjoys baking."

How to avoid run-ons?

- Use clear punctuation - Break up long sentences - Combine sentences properly

What is a sentence fragment?

A group of words that does not express a complete thought. Example: "Because I said so."

True or False: All fragments contain a subject.

False. Some fragments may lack a subject and verb.

Fill in the blank: A fragment often starts with a __________.

subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although)

How can you fix a fragment?

Combine it with a complete sentence or add necessary components. Example: "Although it was late, I decided to go out."

Identify the fragment: "Running down the street."

This is a fragment; it needs a subject and verb.

True or False: "When we arrived" is a complete sentence.

False. It’s a fragment; it leaves the thought unfinished.

What makes a complete sentence?

A complete thought, subject, and verb. Example: "The dog barked loudly."

Cause → Effect: A fragment can lead to __________.

confusion in writing and unclear meaning.

Can a fragment be a question?

Yes, but it still needs to be part of a complete thought to be clear.

What is an example of a fragment?

"After the storm passed." This lacks a main clause.

True or False: All fragments start with a lowercase letter.

False. Some can start with a capital letter.

How do you identify a fragment?

Look for missing subjects or verbs and incomplete thoughts.

Fill in the blank: A fragment is often mistaken for __________.

a complete sentence, leading to grammatical errors.

What is a common type of fragment?

Dependent clauses that cannot stand alone. Example: "Because it was raining."

Identify the fragment: "Although he was tired."

It’s a fragment; it needs an independent clause.

How can adding a subject help?

It transforms a fragment into a complete thought. Example: "Although he was tired, he continued working."

What is a compound sentence?

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses, joined by a conjunction (e.g., 'and', 'but') or a semicolon.

Combine: "I like pizza." "I like pasta."

I like pizza and pasta.

True or False: Combining sentences can create run-ons.

True - If combined incorrectly, run-ons can occur.

Identify the conjunction: "I went for a run, and I felt great."

'And' is the conjunction joining the clauses.

How to fix: "I enjoy reading I also like writing."

Add a conjunction: "I enjoy reading, and I also like writing."

Combine: "The sun is shining." "It is warm outside."

The sun is shining, and it is warm outside.

Fill in the blank: Use a ____ to connect clauses.

conjunction

What is a complex sentence?

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Combine: "She loves to swim." "She swims every morning."

She loves to swim; she swims every morning.

Cause → Effect: Using conjunctions?

Cause: Two sentences. Effect: Creates clarity in writing.

True or False: Fragments can be combined with independent clauses.

True - Fragments can be combined to complete thoughts.

Combine: "It was raining." "I took an umbrella."

It was raining, so I took an umbrella.

Identify the run-on: "I love hiking it's my favorite activity."

Run-on detected; should be: "I love hiking. It's my favorite activity."

Fill in the blank: A ____ is an incomplete sentence.

Fragment.

True or False: All run-ons can be fixed by adding a comma.

False - some require a period or conjunction.

Example of a fragment: "Because I was late." Fix it.

Complete: "Because I was late, I missed the bus."

Which is a run-on? 1) "She runs fast she can win races." 2) "She runs fast, and she can win races."

1 is a run-on; 2 is correct.

Correct the fragment: "When we went to the store."

Complete: "When we went to the store, we bought groceries."

What does a semicolon do in run-ons?

It connects two independent clauses related to each other.

Identify the error: "He wanted pizza he didn’t order any."

Run-on; correct: "He wanted pizza, but he didn’t order any."

True or False: Fragments can stand alone as sentences.

False - fragments cannot stand alone.

Fill in the blank: A run-on sentence contains two or more ____ clauses.

independent.

What's the difference between a fragment and a run-on?

Fragment is incomplete; run-on improperly connects complete sentences.

Fix this run-on: "I studied hard I still failed the test."

Correct: "I studied hard, but I still failed the test."