IAE - Elements of Grammar & Mechanics Lesson

Elements of Grammar & Mechanics

Commas, Fragments, and Run-Ons (commas, colons, semi-colons, Usage Errors (there/your/etc.)

Without proper grammar and mechanics, your reader might not take you or your ideas seriously. One of the most common errors is accidentally including a fragment or a run-on in a piece of writing. When fragments or run-on sentences are present in formal essays, readers become confused and will begin to distrust the writer. You can avoid fragments and run-on sentences by understanding the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause. Review the definitions of independent clause and dependent clause:

Independent Clause: An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject, verb, and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause stands alone as a sentence.

Dependent Clause: A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence and is often called a fragment.

Independent and Dependent Clauses Video

View the short video below for more information on identifying independent and dependent clauses:

Fragment and Run-On Sentence Errors

When you have the ability to recognize the differences between independent and dependent clauses, you will also have the ability to eliminate fragment and run-on sentence errors. Review the definitions of fragment and run-on sentence:

Fragment: A phrase or clause that is not an independent clause or complete sentences because it is missing a subject, verb, or complete thought

Run-On Sentence: When two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction

Run-On Sentence and Fragments Video

View the short video below for more information on avoiding fragments and run-on sentences:

Correcting Run-On Sentences with Commas, Semi-Colons, and Colons

If you are able to identify a fragment, then you will be able to add any missing pieces to make the fragment into an actual sentence by inserting a subject, verb, or complete thought. However, run-on sentences typically need proper punctuation in order to eliminate errors, so you will need to learn how to use certain pieces of punctuation to correct any run-on sentences.

Run-On Sentence: I wanted to go to the football game and she wanted to go to the dance.

There are several ways to fix run-on sentences:

Fragments and Run-Ons Self-Assessment

Once you feel comfortable identifying fragments and run-on sentences, practice your understanding:

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