Common Errors in Sentence Structure

SS(run-

on)

SS

(frag)

Sentence Fragments

Comma Splices

Run-ons

SS(c

s) Faulty Parallelism

Common Errors in Sentence Structure

SS(run-

on)

SS

(frag)

Sentence Fragments

Comma Splices

Run-ons

SS(c

s) Faulty Parallelism

Comma SplicesWhat is a comma splice?

A comma is used to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate conjunction between them.

Example: I completed my first draft I have to edit and revise it.

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence,

,

Comma SplicesHow to fix a comma splice?

Use a period.Use a semi-colon.Use a coordinating conjunction (e.g. and,

but).Use a subordinating conjunction (e.g.

since, because).

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence,

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence.

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence;

Complete Sentence Complete Sentencebecause

Complete Sentence Complete Sentence, but

Comma SplicesHow to fix a comma splice?

Use a period or a semi-colon followed by a conjunctive adverb (e.g. however, furthermore, therefore, similarly, in addition) before the second independent clause.

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence,

Complete Sentence Complete Sentence; however,

Comma Splices – Corrected

I completed my first draft, and I have to edit and revise

it.

I completed my first draft, but I don’t have time to edit

and revise it.

My research paper is due tomorrow; however, I have not even finished the first draft.

Common Errors in Sentence Structure

SS(run-

on)

SS

(frag)

Sentence Fragments

Comma Splices

Run-ons

SS(c

s) Faulty Parallelism

Faulty ParallelismWhat is faulty parallelism?

Sentence elements used to express two or more ideas or items in a series are not grammatically equal.

Faulty ParallelismExample: The college offers a variety of

programs to help students move into professional careers like engineering, accounting, emergency workers and fashion designers. Occupations: engineering, accountingPeople: emergency workers, fashion

designers

Faulty ParallelismHow to fix faulty parallelism?

Make sure that each element in a series has the same form and structure to all others in the same series.

Corrected: The college offers a variety of programs to help students move into professional careers like engineering, accounting, emergency services and fashion design.

Parallelism with Correlative Items

Gerund phrase

Preposition phrase

Correlative items are connected by pairs of conjunctions such as either . . . or, not only . . . but also, and whether . . . or.

David is either at the band practice or studying with his. friends

Parallelism with Correlative ItemsExamples:David is either at the band practice or at the

library.At the banquet, Lucy not only received the

MVP Award for soccer, but also received the Athlete of the Year Award.

Whether he leaves or he stays does not make a difference to me.

Parallelism with Correlative Items

"He has either gone swimming or gone sailing is precisely parallel; gone swimming and gone sailing are grammatically similar and share their relationship with he has."(Edward D. Johnson, The Handbook of Good English, rev. ed. Pocket Books, 1991)

Common Errors in Sentence Structure

SS(run-

on)

SS

(frag)

Sentence Fragments

Comma Splices

Run-ons

SS(c

s) Faulty Parallelism

Sentence Fragments What is a sentence fragment?It is a piece of information which has the

appearance of a sentence, but lacks some characteristics of a complete sentence. No subjectNo verbA dependent clause without an independent

clause

Sentence Fragments Example:No subject; No verb: I’m looking

forward to going on vacation. So excited about visiting new places and meeting new people.

Sentence Fragments Corrected:I’m looking forward to going on

vacation. I’m so excited about visiting new places and meeting new people.

Subject & verb

Sentence Fragments Example:No verb: On warm evenings, there are

hundreds of people walking on Main St. Many enjoying live music and eating ice cream.

Sentence Fragments Corrected:On warm evenings, there are hundreds

of people walking on Main St. Many enjoy live music and eat ice cream.

verb

Sentence Fragments Example:A dependent clause without an

independent clause: It is necessary to become independent learners. Because we are studying in college. We need to be aware of our strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly.

Sentence Fragments Corrected:The dependent clause now has an

independent clause: It is necessary to become independent learners because we are studying in college. We need to be aware of our strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly.

Independent clause

Common Errors in Sentence Structure

SS(run-

on)

SS

(frag)

Sentence Fragments

Comma Splices

Run-ons

SS(c

s) Faulty Parallelism

Run-onWhat is a run-on sentence?

Sometimes called a "fused sentence“, a run-on sentence has two or more independent clauses which are not properly connected to each other.

A comma-splice is a type of run-on sentence.Example: I don't play tennis well I have a

weak backhand.

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence

Run-onHow to fix a run-on? (same as comma

splice)Use a period.Use a semi-colon.Use a coordinating conjunction (e.g. and,

but).Use a subordinating conjunction (e.g.

since, because).

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence.

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence;

Complete Sentence Complete Sentence because

Complete Sentence Complete Sentence, but

Run-onHow to fix a run-on sentence?

Use a period or a semi-colon followed by a conjunctive adverb (e.g. however, furthermore, therefore, similarly, in addition) before the second independent clause.

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence

Complete Sentence Complete Sentence; however,

Run-ons – CorrectedI don't play tennis well because I have a weak backhand.

I don't play tennis well. I have a weak backhand.

I have a weak backhand; therefore, I don't play tennis

well.