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Writing can get super messy if you don’t watch out for sentence fragments and run-on sentences. A fragment is like when you say half a thing, and everyone’s like “Huh? Who?” and a run-on is when you talk so much in one go that nobody can keep up. In this blog, you will learn how to spot these mistakes with cool examples and learn easy tricks to fix them. From now on, your sentences will be smart, clean, and kinda epic.
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Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences: Quick Overview
Sentence fragments and run-on sentences are two common writing mistakes that confuse readers and make your sentences unclear. Let’s get a quick overview first for your understanding.
| Topic | Sentence Fragments | Run-on Sentences |
| What it is? | Incomplete sentences missing a subject, verb, or full thought | Sentences that combine two or more complete ideas without proper punctuation or connectors |
| Effect | Feels unfinished | Overwhelms the reader |
| Cause | Missing subject, verb, or dependent clause left alone | Combining multiple ideas without periods, semicolons, or conjunctions |
| Examples | “Because I forgot my homework.” | “I forgot my homework I still handed it in late.” |
| How to Fix | Add missing parts or connect to a complete sentence | Separate ideas with periods, semicolons, or conjunctions |
What Are Sentence Fragments?
Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that leave out something important, like a subject or a verb. They can confuse readers because they don’t give a full idea. For example, saying “Running to catch the bus” is a fragment because we don’t know who is running. Fragments can sneak into your writing, especially when you’re rushing or texting. Fixing them usually means adding the missing part or connecting the fragment to a full sentence.
Examples of Sentence Fragments
Sentence fragments usually miss a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. Here are some relatable examples.
1. Missing Subject
- Fragment: “Just finished the latest Marvel episode.”
- Fixed: “I just finished the latest Marvel episode.”
2. Missing Verb
- Fragment: “My favorite snack during gaming nights.”
- Fixed: “My favorite snack during gaming nights is popcorn.”
3. Dependent Clause Alone
- Fragment: “Because I stayed up binge-watching TikTok videos.”
- Fixed: “I was tired the next day because I stayed up binge-watching TikTok videos.”
4. Random Thought Fragment
- Fragment: “Honestly, the Wi-Fi is trash today.”
- Fixed: “I can’t do my homework. Honestly, the Wi-Fi is trash today.”
5. Book-Related Fragment
- Fragment: “Reading Percy Jackson under the blanket.”
- Fixed: “I was reading Percy Jackson under the blanket all night.”
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How to Fix Sentence Fragments
Fixing sentence fragments is like turning half-baked memes into full-on viral content. Here’s how to do it.
1. Add the missing subject or verb
Sometimes the sentence is missing the “who” or “what.”
- Fragment: “Eating all the fries before anyone else.”
- Fixed: “I was eating all the fries before anyone else.”
2. Attach the fragment to a nearby sentence
Fragments can hitch a ride on another sentence.
- Fragment: “Because my cat stole my homework.”
- Fixed: “I couldn’t finish my homework because my cat stole it.”
3. Turn the fragment into a full sentence
Give your sentence all the pieces it needs.
- Fragment: “Watching Stranger Things for the fifth time today.”
- Fixed: “I was watching Stranger Things for the fifth time today and still couldn’t stop laughing.”
4. Fix lonely dependent clauses
Make sure clauses starting with “because,” “if,” “when,” etc., connect properly.
- Fragment: “When the Wi-Fi went out in the middle of my Zoom class.”
- Fixed: “I panicked when the Wi-Fi went out in the middle of my Zoom class.”
5. Read it aloud
If your sentence sounds like a confused TikTok comment, it’s probably a fragment. Add what’s missing or combine it with another sentence to make it complete.
- Fragment: “Honestly, no one asked.”
- Fixed: “I didn’t do anything wrong; honestly, no one asked.”
What Are Run-on Sentences?
Run-on sentences happen when two or more complete ideas are squished together without proper punctuation. They can make your writing feel like a chaotic group chat. For example, saying “I stayed up all night playing video games, I forgot to do my homework” is a run-on sentence because it combines two full thoughts without a period or conjunction. Run-ons can sneak into texts, essays, or even your diary when you’re trying to express too much at once. The fix is simple: to separate the ideas with periods, semicolons, or connecting words like “and,” “but,” or “so.”
Examples of Run-on Sentences
Run-on sentences happen when two complete ideas are joined without proper punctuation. Here’s how to spot and fix them:
1. Fused ideas
A fused sentence confuses the reader because it joins two full thoughts without a pause.
- Run-on: “I missed the bus I was late for class.”
- Fixed: “I missed the bus. I was late for class.”
2. Comma splice
A comma splice happens when a comma is used instead of a conjunction or period.
- Run-on: “I studied all night, I forgot everything.”
- Fixed: “I studied all night, but I forgot everything.”
3. Multiple ideas
Multiple ideas in one sentence make it hard to follow.
- Run-on: “I woke up late I skipped breakfast I still made it on time.”
- Fixed: “I woke up late. I skipped breakfast, but I still made it on time.”
4. Book-related
A run-on about books joins reading thoughts without proper punctuation.
- Run-on: “I started reading The Hunger Games I finished it in one sitting.”
- Fixed: “I started reading The Hunger Games, and I finished it in one sitting.”
5. School-life
A run-on about school tasks joins too many actions in one sentence.
- Run-on: “I had three assignments due I didn’t finish any.”
- Fixed: “I had three assignments due, but I didn’t finish any.”
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How to Fix Run-on Sentences
Fixing run-on sentences makes your writing clear and easy to read. Here’s how:
1. Use a period to separate ideas
A period stops the chaos and turns one long run-on into two clear sentences.
- Run-on: “I missed the bus I was late for school.”
- Fixed: “I missed the bus. I was late for school.”
2. Use a comma with a conjunction
A conjunction like “and,” “but,” or “so” links ideas smoothly.
- Run-on: “I wanted to watch Netflix I had to finish my homework.”
- Fixed: “I wanted to watch Netflix, but I had to finish my homework.”
A semicolon connects two complete thoughts that are closely related.
- Run-on: “The exam was hard I think I did okay.”
- Fixed: “The exam was hard; I think I did okay.”
4. Break long sentences into shorter ones
Shorter sentences make your writing easier to follow.
- Run-on: “I stayed up all night studying I still couldn’t remember anything for the test.”
- Fixed: “I stayed up all night studying. I still couldn’t remember anything for the test.”
5. Read your sentence aloud
Reading aloud helps spot where ideas need pauses or connectors.
- Run-on: “I bought a new book I can’t wait to start reading it tonight.”
- Fixed: “I bought a new book. I can’t wait to start reading it tonight.”
Tips to Avoid Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences
Writing clearly is all about giving your sentences the right structure and pauses. Sentence fragments leave your reader hanging, and run-ons make them feel lost. The good news is that with a few practical tricks, you can avoid both and make your writing smooth.
1. Start every sentence with a subject
Make sure your sentence clearly shows who or what it’s about.
2. Keep one main idea per sentence
Avoid cramming too many thoughts together—each sentence should have a clear focus.
3. Watch for dependent words
Words like because, although, if, when, and since need a complete main clause to make sense.
4. Use punctuation like a boss
Periods, semicolons, and commas with conjunctions help separate or link ideas correctly.
5. Read sentences aloud
If your sentence feels weird or confusing when spoken, it probably needs fixing.
6. Edit in layers
First, check for fragments. Then, look for run-ons. Fixing one type at a time keeps editing simple.
7. Use simple connectors
Words like and, but, so, or, yet can save your sentence from being a run-on.
8. Keep sentences short when in doubt
Shorter sentences are easier to read and less likely to fragment or run-on.
9. Keep a checklist while writing
Ask yourself: “Does this sentence have a subject? Does it express a full idea? Is it too long?”
10. Practice with your favorite content
Rewrite your favorite memes, tweets, or book sentences correctly to train your brain.
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FAQs
Ans: A fragment is an incomplete sentence, like “Because I was late.” A run-on sentence joins two complete ideas without proper punctuation, like “I was late I missed the bus.” Both make writing unclear and need correction.
Ans: Fragments often lack a subject or verb, or don’t express a complete thought. Run-ons combine multiple independent clauses without punctuation or conjunctions. Reading sentences aloud helps spot missing or extra connections.
Ans: Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that leave out essential elements, such as a subject or predicate. They can confuse readers because they don’t express a full idea. Correcting them usually involves adding the missing part or connecting it to a complete sentence.
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This was all about Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences, with simple explanations, fun examples, and easy tips to make you mistake-free. For more such helpful guides on vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills, make sure to check out the Learn English page on Leverage Edu and stay updated!
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