Grammar Lesson #2: Fragments and Run-ons

Now that we have defined what a sentence is, I can tell you about fragments and run-ons and how to correct them. Remember that out of all grammatical errors, professors generally consider fragments and run-ons to be the worst offenders. So if you must remember anything, remember this lesson.

Fragment: an incomplete sentence, as defined by the following:

1. A sentence in which the subject noun or verb is missing, OR
2. A sentence that is missing a part that would logically complete its meaning, OR
3. An instance in which a subordinate clause has been left to stand on its own (which it cannot do).

Examples
* Steve Jobs discussing company projects. (Problem: missing "is".)
* Although he had a date. (Problem: subordinate clause. Missing rest of thought.)

Now, let me say this: we speak (and, therefore, write) in fragments fairly often. It's natural. When speaking, a person creates a context of understanding with another person that removes the need to use complete sentences. We all understand the meaning of certain fragments, such as "Not good enough" and "Too much!" For this reason, fragments are often used in creative writing to create a conversational style.

However, academic writing is different. Using fragments in an essay, even conversational ones, can make your essay sound too casual. Remember, academic writing is all about formality and professionalism. It's also about grammatical correctness, and fragments are never grammatically complete.

So, how do you catch a fragment? The best way is to read your paper aloud before starting the revision process. Ears are much more adept at catching grammatical errors than eyes. When you find a fragment, evaluate it to determine what is missing and then add the missing elements.


Run-on: an instance in which two or more sentences run together without being separated by end punctuation.

Notice I said END punctuation. Sentences separated by commas are still run-ons.

Examples
* President Obama angered several senators after he was elected he said he would eliminate pork barrel projects.
* Children should eat healthier, obesity could kill them.

Run-ons are difficult to read and tolerate. Readers naturally NEED to pause briefly in reading to process information, and end punctuation provides that essential pause. Punctuation also groups information into logical chunks that can be easily processed by the brain. Run-ons cause confusion and frustrate readers. Leaving run-ons uncorrected is a sloppy and inconsiderate thing to do, which is why professors grade them so harshly.

For example, notice the confusion of logic in the first run-on example sentence. Should the missing punctuation go after "senators" or after "elected"? The reader has to cease processing the sentence's information to figure it out. Forget about the argument you were building in your essay; the reader is now busy trying to mentally fix your sentences. If readers have to do this more than twice while reading your essay, what do you think they'll be more likely to remember afterward: your argument or their frustration? I know what your professor will remember!

Writing run-ons is like trying to sell a scratched sports car. The car may have a fantastic interior and raging horsepower. However, the first thing the car's potential buyers are going to notice is the scratches. If the scratches are bad enough, no one may offer to buy the car, no matter how great the engine or how low the price. Appearance is worth something. A polished exterior sells a great car. A polished essay sells a great argument. Grammatical errors are insanely distracting.

Correcting run-ons is fairly easy. First, know what a sentence is (as explained in Lesson #1). Second, read your essay aloud. If a sentence sounds jumbled, stop and look for where end punctuation is needed. Any sentence that causes you to stop and try to "figure out" the logic either needs to be punctuated or rephrased. If you run out of breath reading a sentence aloud or if you eyes get tired reading a sentence silently, those may be signs of a run-on. No sentence should ever be over four typed lines. Keeping sentences as short and concise as possible will eliminate most, if not all, run-ons.

In the meantime, keep up the good write!