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Error

Examples and Suggested Improvements

Comma Splices

Two complete sentences are joined using a comma.

Comma Splice Example: Margaret is a great author, she writes beautiful prose.

To correct a comma splice, either separate the two complete sentences using a period, use a semi colon between the sentences, use a conjunction to join the thoughts, or use a transition to show a relationship between the sentences.

Corrected Examples:

Margaret is a great author. She writes beautiful prose.

Margaret is a great author; she writes beautiful prose.

Margaret is a great author because she writes beautiful prose.

Margaret is a great author; as a result, she writes beautiful prose.

Sentence Fragment

The phrase given is missing the verb or noun/subject.

Sentence Fragment Example: Examining the works of Russo.

To correct a sentence fragment, rework the sentence to ensure that it includes a subject or noun and a verb.

Corrected Example:

Examining the works of Russo, we find depth and breadth of insight.

Run On Sentences

Two or more complete sentences are joined without commas, semi colons, conjunctions, or transitions.

Run On Example: Many have died in the process of war rulers don’t seem to value the warriors.

To correct a run on sentence, either separate the two complete sentences using a period, use a semi colon between the sentences, use a conjunction to join the thoughts, or use a transition to show a relationship between the sentences.

Corrected Examples:

Many have died in the process of war. Rulers don’t value their warriors.

Many have died in the process of war; rulers don’t value their warriors.

Many have died in the process of war because rulers don’t value their warriors.

Many have died in the process of war; in fact, it seems rulers don’t value their warriors.