Comma splices, run-ons, and fragments can result from incorrectly punctuated sentences. Avoid these errors by using punctuation appropriately, as shown below.
An independent clause contains a subject and a finite verb and can stand alone as a sentence:
Independent clauses can also be combined in a single sentence, but if they are joined without any punctuation, a run-on is created, and if they are separated by only a comma, a comma splice is created:
To correct Run-ons and Comma Splices, you can:
Note: Coordinating conjunctions are the words For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. Subordinating conjunctions are words that make one clause dependent on another by defining a particular type of relationship between the clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include words like Because, If, When, Although, and Since; words like Before and After can be used as subordinating conjunctions (e.g. After my grandfather arrives) or prepositions (After breakfast).
A fragment is a group of words without an independent clause which is punctuated as a sentence. Fragments can be corrected by adding the missing element (subject or verb) or by removing subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns:
Often, a fragment can be corrected by combining it with the sentence before or after it.
Note: Subordinating conjunctions are words that make one clause dependent on another by defining a particular type of relationship between the clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include words like Because, If, When, Although, and Since; words like Before and After can be used as subordinating conjunctions (e.g. After my grandfather arrives) or prepositions (After breakfast).
Relative pronouns are pronouns that connect modifying information to the term being modified, such as Who, Whose, Which, and That.