Run-on sentences, Comma Splices & Sentence Fragments

Run-on Sentences
- (of a sentence) Containing two or more independent clauses that are not separated by a colon, semicolon, or appropriate conjunction. – Google
- Run-on sentences is what happens when two independent clauses are put together in one sentence without any punctuation or coordinating conjunction.

Example: The flowers are beautiful they brighten the room. (Incorrect)

Comma Splices
- It is the incorrect use of a comma to join two independent clauses.
- A comma splice is an inappropriate joining of two independent clauses by using a coma.
- Comma splices occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined by just a comma and no coordinating conjunction.

Example: The flowers are beautiful, they brighten the room. (Incorrect)

Ways to fix run-on sentences and comma splices

The flowers are beautiful they brighten the room. (run-on)

The flowers are beautiful, they brighten the room. (Comma splice)

1. Rewrite the sentence as two complete sentences. 

- Use period to rewrite sentences as two independent clause. Begin the next clause with capital letter.

      The flowers are beautiful . They brighten the room.

(independent clause)   (period)   (independent clause)

2. Join two sentences with a comma and an appropriate coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
- The flowers are beautiful, and they brighten the room.

3. Join two sentences with a semi-colon (;)
- The flowers are beautiful; they brighten the room.

4. Rewrite the sentences by adding a subordinating conjunction b

etween the clauses or in the beginning.
- The flowers are beautiful because they brighten the room.

Study the table below that summarizes the four ways of correcting run-ons and comma splices. 

Activity
Correct the following run-on sentences.
Q1. I moved to Spain when I was young it was easy to learn Spanish, my parents were already here, they knew Spanish.

Answers
Period + Capital Letter (Separate Sentences)
- I moved to Spain when I was young. It was easy to learn Spanish. My parents were already here. They knew Spanish.

2. Comma + Coordinating Conjunction (Compound Sentence)
- I moved to Spain when I was young, and it was easy to learn Spanish. My parents were already here, so they knew Spanish.

3. Semi-Colon (;)
- I moved to Spain when I was young; it was easy to learn Spanish. My parents were already here; they knew Spanish.

4. Subordination (Complex Sentence)
- Because I moved to Spain when I was young, it was easy to learn Spanish. Since my parents were already here, they knew Spainish.

Q2. Kado and Nado recognized each other they had been in the first grade together.
- Kado and Nado recognized each other; they had been in the first grade together.
- Kado and Nado recognized each other, for they had been in the first grade together.
- Since they had been in the first grade together, Kado and Nado recognized each other.
- Kado and Nado recognized each other. They had been in the first grade together.

Q3. Her car would not start she was late for class.
- Her car would not start, and she was late for class.
- Her car would not start, so she was late for class.
- Her car would not start. She was late for class.
- Because her car would not start, she was late for class.
- Her car would not start; she was late for class.

Q4. The parents ate the baby slept in her stroller.
- While the parents ate, the baby slept in her stroller.
- The parents ate as the baby slept in her stroller.
- The parents ate. The baby slept in her stroller.
- The parents ate, and the baby slept in her stroller.
- The parents ate; the baby slept in her stroller.

Q5. Bokto wants to quit smoking this habit is too expensive.
- Bokto wants to quit smoking. This habit is too expensive.
- Bokto wants to quit smoking; this habit is too expensive.
- Bokto wants to quit smoking, for this habit is too expensive.

- Since smoking is too expensive, Bokto wants to quit.

Sentence Fragment

- A sentence fragment is a group of words that doesn't state a complete thought. Sometimes a fragment is missing a subject, sometimes a verb. Sometimes, a fragment has a subject and a verb but the thought is still incomplete.

Examples:

- Since it was raining.

- During the summer vacation, my sister who loves to read books. 

- Our king is kind. Especially to Bhutanese citizens.

Types of Sentences Based on STRUCTURE (Sentence Transformation)

Sentence Transformation within Four Types of Sentences Based on Structure

Conversion of simple sentence into compound sentence and vice versa

To convert a simple sentence into a compound sentence, follow these specific steps:

1. Identify the Main Clauses: Break down the simple sentence into two or more independent clauses that can stand alone.
2. Use Coordinating Conjunctions: Connect the independent clauses using appropriate coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).

3. Add Necessary Verbs: Ensure each independent clause has its own subject and verb.

Here’s how these rules apply to the given example:

Simple Sentence: The weather being fine, we went out for a walk.
                                (absolute phrase)         (main clause/independent clause)

In the above sentence, the absolute phrase doesn't contain a verb, it just provides additional information to the main clause.

 

Conversion Process:

1. Identify Clauses: 

 - Clause 1: The weather was fine. (Now the absolute phrase contains a verb 'was' and becomes an independent clause)

- Clause 2: We went out for a walk.

2. Use suitable Coordinating Conjunction:

- Combine the clauses with "and."

3. Ensure Proper Structure:

- Both clauses should have a subject and a verb.

Compound Sentence: The weather was fine,                 and                           we went out for a walk.

                                  (independent clause)    coordinating conjunction           (independent clause) 

So, in the above sentence now we have two independent clauses. - two subject and two verbs joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Simple Sentence: The weather being fine, we went out for a walk.

                                (absolute phrase)                  (one independent clause)

Compound Sentence: The weather was fine                 and                             we went out for a walk.
                                (one independent clause) (coordinating conjunction) (another independent clause)

Activity

Change the following Simple Sentence into Compound Sentences using above methods.

1. In spite of all his wealth, we was not happy.
2. He must work hard to succeed in his business.
3. Notwithstanding her old age, my mother works hard.

Check your answers

1. Simple: In spite of all his wealth, we was not happy.

- Compound: He had plenty of wealth but he was not happy.

2. Simple: He must work hard to succeed in his business.

- He must work hard or he will not succeed in his business.

3. Simple: Notwithstanding her old age, my mother works hard.

- Compound: My mother is old, but she works hard.

Likewise, you can transform a compound sentence into a simple sentence by simply applying the reverse of the above rules.

Example: 

Compound: He is poor,                             but                                       he is happy.

                (independent clause)      coordinating conjunction      (independent clause)

Simple: In spite of his poverty,         he is happy.

              (prepositional phrase)          (independent clause)

'In spite of his poverty' is not a clause because it doesn't have a subject and a verb.

Note the following list of conjunctions or phrases to be used while a sentence into a simple sentence

    

1. Compound: He was ill and didn’t attend the party.

- Simple: Being ill, he didn’t attend the party.

2. Compound: She is not only pretty but also clever.

- Simple: Besides being pretty, she is clever.

3. Compound: He was ill, but he attended the classes.

- Simple: In spite of his illness he attended the class.

Activity

Transform the following sentences according to the instruction given in the bracket.

1. He must run fast to catch the train. (Change into compound sentence)
2. Being guilty he went into hiding.  (Change into compound sentence)
3. Being innocent, he never thought of running away.(Change into compound sentence)
4. He was not only sent to prison but also heavily fined. (Change into simple sentence)
5. The old man sat in a corner and drank. (Change into simple sentence)
6. A friend intervened and he was later released from jail. (Change into simple sentence)
7. Being lazy, he failed. (Change into compound sentence)

Check Your Answers

1. He must run fast to catch the train. (Change into compound sentence)

- He must run fast or he will not catch the train.

2. Being guilty he went into hiding.  (Change into compound sentence)

- He was guilty and went into hiding.

3. Being innocent, he never thought of running away.(Change into compound sentence)

- He was innocent and never thought of running away.

4. He was not only sent to prison but also heavily fined. (Change into simple sentence)

- Besides being sent to prison, he was heavily fined.

5. The old man sat in a corner and drank. (Change into simple sentence)

- The old man sat in a corner, drinking.

6. A friend intervened and he was later released from jail. (Change into simple sentence)

- Owing to a friend’s intervention, he was later released from jail.

7. Being lazy, he failed. (Change into compound sentence)

- He was lazy and failed.

Conversion of compound sentences into simple sentences examples

1. He is poor, but he is happy.
- In spite of his poverty, he is happy.
- Notwithstanding his poverty, he is happy.

 

2. He is not only a fool, but also a villain.
- Besides being a fool, he is a valiant.

3. You must work hard or you will not pass the examination.
- You must work hard to pass the examination.

4. The sun rose and the fog dispersed.
- The sun having risen, the fog dispersed.

Conversion of compound sentence into complex sentence and vice versa
Compound sentences consist of two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions  such as "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "so," or "yet." (FANBOYS). Complex sentences consist of one dependent clause and two or more independent clauses. So while transforming compound into complex sentences, one independent clause of the compound sentence should be made into dependent clause by using a subordinating conjunction (and sometimes correlative as well).

Note the list of following conjunctions to be used while a changing compound sentence into a complex sentences.

Example: 

Compound: She saw me             and                                             she came running to me.

             (independent clause)    (Coordinating conjunction)           (independent clause)

Complex: As soon as she saw me,                                     she came running to me. 

         (subordinating conjunction + dependent clause)        (independent clause)

                                                        (OR)

Complex: She came running to me as soon as she saw me.

                 (independent clause)        (Subordinating conjunction + dependent clause)

***If you use subordinating conjunction in the beginning, use comma(,) after the independent clause and no comma (,) is required if you use it after the independent clause.

Activity

Change the following compound sentences into complex sentences.

1. Science is a good servant but it is a bad master.
- Though science is a good servant, it is a bad master.

2. Run fast, or you will miss the train.

- Unless you run fast, you will miss the train.

- If you do not run fast, you will miss the train.

3. He will come today and I have no doubt about it.
- I have no doubt that he will come today.

4. The principal arrived and the meeting began.
- When the principal arrived, the meeting began.

Likewise, you can transform a Complex sentences into a compound sentences by simply applying the reverse of the above rules.
Examples: 
Complex: If you do not hurry, you will miss the train.

                (dependent clause)    (independent clause)

Compound: You must hurry,         or you will miss the train.

               (independent clause)         (independent clause) 

Complex: I found the ring that I had lost.
Compound: I had lost the ring, but I have found it.

Complex: He works hard, so that he may succeed in life.
Compound: He wishes to succeed in life, and, therefore, he works hard.

Conversion of simple sentences into complex sentences and vice versa.

- While changing simple sentences into complex sentences and vice versa, use the list of conjunctions as discussed earlier.

Simple: No one can foretell the time of his death.
Complex: No one can foretell when he will die.

Simple: His silence proves his guilt.
Complex: The fact that he is silent, proves his guilt.

Simple: He seems to be a fool.
Complex: He seems that he is a fool.

Simple: Except for his being an undergraduate, he is fit for the post.
Complex: Except that he is an undergraduate, he is fit for the post.

Simple: Because of the rain, we decided to stay back home.
Complex: As it was raining, we decided to stay back home.

Simple: Besides being a good doctor, Sheena is a great artist.
Complex: Not only is Sheena a good doctor but also a great artist.

Complex: It is so soon that the outcome cannot be determined.
Simple: It is too soon to determine the outcome.

Complex: Even though she tried multiple times, she could not clear the forty-fifth level

Simple: In spite of trying multiple times, she could not clear the forty-fifth level.

Complex: As the cat stretched itself, it crawled into a comfortable position on the couch.
Simple: Stretching itself, the cat crawled into a comfortable position on the couch.

Types of sentences based on STRUCTURE

Types of Sentences Based on Structure
***Before we discuss the four types of sentences based on structure, it is important to understand the following concepts.***

Clause(s)
- Clauses are group of words with both a subject and a verb.

There are two main types of clauses:
i. Independent clauses: Are clauses that can stand alone as a complete thoughts.
Example: I                teach      grammar.
               subject      verb

 
ii. Dependent Clauses: Are clauses that cannot stand alone as a complete thoughts.
Example: Because     I          teach      grammar.
                            subject      verb

Types of Sentences Based on Structure
-Similar to the types of sentences based on purpose, there are again four types of sentences based on STRUCTURE.

1. Simple
2. Compound
3. Complex
4. Compound-Complex

1. Simple Sentences
- A simple Sentence contains only one independent clause.
Example: I kicked the ball.

2. Compound Sentences
- A Compound Sentences contains at least two independent clauses.
Example: I kicked the ball,            and it hit John.
                (independent clause)     (independent clause)

What about....
Tom and I kicked the ball. ……….? Simple or Compound Sentence
- It is a Simple sentence because 'and' here joins two subjects, not clause; there is only one clause.

3. Complex Sentence
- A Complex Sentence contains a subordinate (dependent) clause and an independent clause.
    John cried              because the ball hit him.
(independent clause) (dependent clause)

4. Compound-Complex Sentences
- It’s basically a combination of a compound sentence and a complex sentence.
- It contains at least two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Example: John cried      because the ball hit him, and I apologized immeduately.

    (independent clause)      (dependent clause)             (independent clause)

***If two clauses are joined by coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), it is an independent clause.***
***If a clause begins or is joined by a subordinating conjunction, it is a dependent clause.***

Activity

Identify the type of sentence in the following whether they are simple compound and complex sentences.

1. He lost his money but he did not lose his patience.
2. Roses are beautiful flowers.
3. I saw a man who was old and weak.
4. She wrote a novel.
5. The students solve the questions easily.
6. He is not harmful.
7. She is young but she has white hair.
8. This is the school where you have studied.
9. The person is a renowned writer.
10. Pema worked very hard but she did not pass.
11. He finished his home assignment and went to play.
12. He lost everything that was unbearable.
13. A green plant can prepare its food.
14. He came back to the city where he was born.
15. She did not feel that she was guilty.

Check your answers

1. He lost his money but he did not lose his patience. - Compound Sentence
2. Roses are beautiful flowers. - Simple Sentence
3. I saw a man who was old and weak. - Complex Sentence
4. She wrote a novel. - Simple Sentence
5. The students solve the questions easily. - Simple Sentence
6. He is not harmful. - Simple Sentence
7. She is young but she has white hair. - Compound Sentence
8. This is the school where you have studied. - Complex Sentence
9. The person is a renowned writer. - Simple Sentence
10. Pema worked very hard but she did not pass. - Compound Sentence
11. He finished his home assignment and went to play. - Compound Sentence
12. He lost everything that was unbearable. - Complex Sentence
13. A green plant can prepare its food. - Simple Sentence
14. He came back to the city where he was born. - Complex Sentence
15. She did not feel that she was guilty. - Complex Sentence

Types of Sentences Based on PURPOSE (Sentence Transformation)

Sentence Transformation within Four Types of Sentences Based on Purpose 
- The transformation of sentences consists in changing a sentence from one form to another without any change of meaning.

Interchange of Interrogative & Assertive Sentences
- When the question is affirmative, a negative answer is implied; and when the question is negative, an affirmative answer is implied.

Interrogative: What is the use of this statue? - affirmative
Assertive: There is no use of this statue. - negative (no)

Interrogative: Is he not a great fool?
Assertive: He is a great fool.

Interrogative: Can any one do this? 
Assertive: No one can do this.

Interrogative: Who is greater than god?
Assertive: None is greater than god.

Interrogative:  What more can I do?
Assertive: I can do nothing more.

Interrogative: Shall we forget those happy day?
Assertive: We shall not forget those happy day.

Interchange of Exclamatory & Assertive Sentences

- In course of change from Exclamatory to Assertive Sentences 'very' is usually used before an Adjective or adverb and 'great' before a Noun. Moreover, it can be changed by using the verb 'wish', 'exclaim in wonder' and etc.

Exclamatory: What a fool you are! (fool - Noun)

Assertive: You are a great fool.

Exclamatory: How beautiful the night is! (beautiful - adjective)

Assertive: The night is very beautiful.

Exclamatory: Alas! My friend is no more.

Assertive: It is so sad that my friend is no more.

Exclamatory: How well she sang! (well - adverb)

Assertive: She sang very well.

Exclamatory: Oh, that I were young again!

Assertive: I wish that I were young again.

Interchange of Affirmative and Negative Sentences

- A negative form can be formed by using opposite words, such as 'none but' for 'only', 'never' for 'ever', 'good' for 'bad', etc. or by changing the degree of comparison or by using a clause, 'it is not that' and etc.

Affirmative: I was doubtful whether it was you.

Negative: I was not sure whether it was you.

Affirmative: Only you can help me.

Negative: None but you can help me.

Affirmative: He always minds his lesson.

Negative: He never neglects his lesson.

Affirmative: You are richer than me.

Negative: I am not so rich as you.

Affirmative: A few farmers saved their crop.

Negative: Not all farmers saved their crop.

Affirmative: She tried all plans.

Negative: She left no plans untried.

Activity

Transform the following sentences according as instructed in the brackets.

1. Can there be smoke without fire? (Change into Assertive Sentence)
2. Nobody likes bitter gourds. (Change into Interrogative Sentence)
3. Isn’t it sunny outside? (Change into Affirmative Sentence)
4. Are there any restrictions? (Change into Assertive Sentence)
5. It was a perfect Idea. (Change into Interrogative Sentence)
6. The computer was not working. (Change into Interrogative Sentence)
7. How beautiful this school is! (Change into Assertive Sentence)
8. Will she come to work today? (Change into Assertive Sentence)
9. How nice! (Change into Assertive Sentence)
10. Can you touch the sky? (Change into Assertive Sentence)
11. Oh that the mountains were my dwelling place! (Change into Assertive Sentence) 

Check Your Answers

1. Can there be smoke without fire? (Change into Assertive Sentence) 
- There can be no smoke without fire.

2. Nobody likes bitter gourds. (Change into Interrogative Sentence)
- Does anybody like bitter gourds?

3. Isn’t it sunny outside? (Change into Affirmative Sentence)
- It is sunny outside.

4. Are there any restrictions? (Change into Assertive Sentence)
- There are no restrictions.

5. It was a perfect Idea. (Change into Interrogative Sentence) 

- Wasn’t it a perfect idea?

6. The computer was not working. (Change into Interrogative Sentence)
- Was the computer working?

7. How beautiful this school is! (Change into Assertive Sentence) 
- This school is very beautiful.

8. Will she come to work today? (Change into Assertive Sentence)
- She will not come to work today.

9. How nice! (Change into Assertive Sentence)
- It is very nice.

10. Can you touch the sky? (Change into Assertive Sentence) 
- You cannot touch the sky.

11. Oh that the mountains were my dwelling place! (Change into Assertive Sentence) 
- I wish that the mountains were my dwelling place.

Types of Sentences based on PURPOSE

Types of Sentences
- Sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. A sentence usually contains a subject and a predicate (verb), and can stand alone as a complete grammatical unit. In English, all parts of speech are used to make sentences.

Sentences are classified based on purpose and structure.

FOUR types of sentences based on purpose.

1. Declarative (or Assertive) Sentence
2. Interrogative Sentence
3. Imperative Sentence
4. Exclamatory Sentence

1. Declarative (or Assertive) Sentence

- It makes a statement or shares information. Any sentence that tells us something is declarative sentence. As a rule, declarative sentence ends with a period (.).

- Usually, the standard order of words in such sentence can be:
subject + verb + object

Example
The girl     lost         her favorite doll.
subject        verb        object.

Declarative Sentence can be further categorized into two types: 
a) Positive: Kado likes language class
b) Negative: Kado does not like language class

2. Interrogative Sentence
- Interrogative Sentence strives to receive information. Any sentence that ask a question and end with a question mark is a interrogative sentence. Usually, the word order of interrogative sentences can be:
wh-wordd or how + auxiliary verb + subject

Example 
Where             is             Bokto?
wh-word       verb       subject 

***Interrogative Sentence can also begin with modal auxiliaries and other be form of verbs*

Like Declarative Sentence, Interrogative Sentence are of two types:
a) Positive: Did he play on a football team?
                    Does Kado like language class?
b) Negative: Didn't he play on a football team?
                      Doesn't Kado like language class?

3. Imperative Sentence
- Imperative Sentence tells others to do something or give a command. It can end with either a period (.) or an exclamation mark (!).
- It usually doesn't have a subject because an imperative sentence, by default, speaks to the recipient or the reader. Such sentence usually consist of a base verb + any additional details.

Example
Open the door.

Two types of Imperative Sentences
a) Positive: Attend the language class.
                    Join the football team!

b) Negative: Do not attend the language class.
                      Do not join the football team! 

4. Exclamatory Sentences
- Exclamatory Sentence is usually used to express a strong emotion or surprise and always ends with an exclamation mark (!).

- The basic order of words can be as shown below;
i) What (+adjective) + noun+ subject + verb
    What a wonderful weather it is !

ii) How (+adjective/adverb) + subject + verb
    How generous you are! 

Activity

Q. Identify the type of each of the following sentences based on their purpose: assertive, interrogative, imperative or exclamatory.

1. Kado is a good boy.
2. Open the window.
3. He is an Indian citizen.
4. Sit on the chair.
5. Who are you?
6. Hurrah! We have won the match.
7. Please sit down.
8. The girl is dancing in the hall.
9. Is he going to school?
10. What a beautiful scene!

Check Your Answers

1. Assertive
2. Imperative
3. Assertive
4. Imperative
5. Interrogative
6. Exclamatory
7. Imperative
8. Assertive
9. Interrogative
10. Exclamatory

Sentence Structures and Syntactical Patterns - Sentence pattern

Sentence structure can be defined as the order or arrangement of all parts in a sentence such as subject, predicate, objects, clause or phrases, punctuations and etc. Syntactical patterns are the acceptable word orders within sentences and clauses or the arrangement of words and phrases within a sentence, following the rules of syntax in a specific language.- Google

All the parts of speech in English are used to make sentence and all sentences include two parts; the 'subject' and the 'verb'.

How sentence is Constructed?

Most sentences in English are constructed using the following FIVE PATTERNS;

1. Subject - verb

Example: She walks.

2. Subject - Verb - Object

Example: She is playing a guitar.

3. Subject - Verb - Adjective

Example: She is beautiful.

4. Subject - Verb - Adverb

Example: She walked slowly.

5. Subject - Verb - Noun

Example: The professor is a woman.

***For all the above sentences, different parts of speech can be added to expand the sentence.***

 

Active and Passive Voice - Imperative Sentences (order, request, command, advice)

Usually, the Imperative Sentence in Active Voice:

- Begins with a verb.

- For all imperatives, the subject is you.

- Begins with 'You' when the object is not mentioned or if you want to put emphasis on the person.

If the verb in the Active Voice expresses order, command, or advice etc., the word 'Let' is usually placed at the beginning of the Passive Voice.

Let + object + be + PP (For positive sentence)

Let not + object + be + PP (For negative sentence)

Let + object + not + be + PP (For negative sentence)

Examples

Active Voice: Open the door.

Passive Voice: Let     the door     be     opened. (by you)

                        Let +    object    +  be + PP

Active Voice: Do not give the order.

Passive Voice: Let     not     the order     be     given. (by you)

                        Let +   not + object +    be +     PP

Active Voice: Do not pluck the flowers.

Passive Voice: Let     not     the flowers     be     plucked. (or by you.)

                        Let +    not + object     +    be    +     PP

Another form of the Passive Voice is with the verb 'should' + be (or Be/Get)

Examples

Active Voice: Keep your words.

Passive Voice: Your words should be kept.

Active Voice: Obey your teachers.

Passive Voice: Your teachers should be obeyed.

Active Voice: Prepare for the worst.

Passive Voice: Be/Get prepared for the worst.

If the sentence begins with 'Please' in Active Voice, 'You are requested to' is used in the Passive Voice. An intransitive verb may be changed into Passive with 'You are requested to/advised to', etc.

Examples

Active Voice: Please do this work

Passive Voice: You are requested to do this work.

Active Voice: Please do not smoke.

Passive Voice: You are advised not to smoke.

Active Voice: Go home.

Passive Voice: You are advised to go home.