Fragments, Run-Ons, Comma-Splices Practice Exercises

Correct each of the following run-on and comma-splice sentences.

1. Shakespeare’s plays can be grouped as comedies, tragedies, and histories, Hamlet is a tragedy.

2. There was food left over, however, everyone had plenty to eat.

3. Some educated people believe in witchcraft, I am not one of them.

4. The zoo is a wonderful experience for everyone, you should go.

5. My mother got a letter from Aunt Esther, she is coming next week.

6. Eric is a brave boy, he doesn’t complain about his illness.

7. Mom voted for Jimmy Carter Dad voted for Gerald Ford.

8. The Secretary of State arrived in Geneva, he was supposed to sign a treaty.

9. Hepatitis is serious, you should see your doctor.

10. I baked oatmeal cookies they had raisins in them, too.

11. Mark Twain wrote Tom Sawyer, it is a funny book.

12. The war lasted ten years many young men were killed.

13. Our elm tree must be cut down, it has Dutch elm disease.

14. I lost my brother’s catcher’s mitt, he’s going to be angry.

15. I like the Tolkien books, next, I will read the whole trilogy.

16. Tracy Austin is a good tennis player, she doesn’t win every game, though.

17. I go to bed at 10:00 otherwise I can’t get up in the morning.

18. Jerry is in the hospital, let’s visit him.

19. We named out dog Toto, that’s the name of the dog in The Wizard of Oz.

20. I can’t find my math book, I’ll have to clean out my locker.

21. Tom Seaver was traded, I was surprised.

22. My driver’s license was revoked I can’t drive to the game.

23. Julie has a full-time job, she’ll have to go to night school.

________________________________________________________________
Write “CS” in the blank beside each comma splice and “RO” in the blank beside each run-on
sentence. Then, correct the errors. Some sentences are correct. Mark these as “C.”

_____1 During rush hour the streets of Canton are full of bicycles, the buses travel slowly to avoid
hitting them.

_____2 Jennifer and Tony were high school students they quit school and got married.

_____3 The night before my driver’s test I couldn’t eat or sleep, I was in a stupor.

_____4 In the past the computer could not do as many things as it can today.

_____5 Don’t hesitate call the police if you see something suspicious.

_____6 The lake was frozen over, some boys were playing hockey.

_____7 Children with permissive parents seem to be wild and crazy.

_____8 The street was covered by snow, the driving was dangerous.

_____9 Time is money therefore our time is limited.

_____10 Technology has not solved our problems instead it has created new ones.

_____11 There are hundreds of newspapers on the market, with all this variety for the readers there is
still something missing.

_____12 Technology has not solved our problems instead it has created new ones.

_____13 We are still good friends, unfortunately we don’t go to the same school anymore, but we still get
together.

_____14 In law class we study about people’s rights, the richer the people are the more rights they have.

_____15 Children with permissive parents seem to be wild and crazy.

_____16 I have four roommates, some roommates are messy, others are too neat to live with.

_____17 Driving a car makes people lazy, for example when they have a vehicle they no longer walk
anywhere.

_____18 Our cedar hedge had been flattened there were tire marks across our lawn.

_____19 The clock was ticking away with two minutes left in the game we were on our own five-yard line.

_____20 Imagine you are working for a strict and stingy boss, would you work diligently for this person?

_____21 Finally we arrived at the hospital we checked into the birthing area.

_____22 An old woman fell as she crossed the street, but the other New Yorkers near her kept walking.

_____23 All the arguments for stores opening on Sundays are unreasonable; the disadvantages clearly
outweigh the advantages.

_____24 In high school I had no respect for books, I wrote in them and ripped pages out for reference.
_____25 Hail is nothing to be afraid of however, caution is always a good thing.

_____26 The scene was horrible and unbelievable, people screamed and were helpless.

_____27 If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate call the police immediately.

_____28 I couldn’t sleep that night, I was anxious for the next day so I could call her and ask her out.

_____29 The cost of cleaning up acid rain is high; however, the benefits are great.

_____30 I was blind and lost, I wanted to come out from the darkness, but I could not because there was
no light to guide me.

_____31 Our government cannot be trusted, this country functions as if parliament did not exist.

_____32 On April 27 of each year since the accident, I have held a party to celebrate being alive.

_____33 I swung around to catch a guy charging at me I grabbed him and threw him to the ground.

_____34 I never inherit money from a rich uncle it is always the person next door who has all the luck.

_____35 Finally everything was done, the dentist gave me a cup of water to rinse the blood from my
mouth.

_____36 A book is just like an old friend whenever we need it, the only thing to do is consult it.

_____37 Our mother could not afford to feed all the children; therefore, she decided it would be in our
best interests to place us with the Children’s Aid Society.

_____38 Health problems that come with age are often caused by lack of exercise therefore, it is
important to provide exercise to all areas of the body.

_____39 In today’s modern industrialized world, we can have a wonderful material life, money can seem
to buy everything we want, but our heart still lacks something.

_____40 A child who feels secure at home will develop a positive character; for example, a child who is
loved at home will automatically show love to others.
Complete Sentences vs. Fragments

Some of the sentences below are complete, but some are sentence fragments. Mark an “s” on the
blank before the complete sentences and an “f” before the fragments. Correct FRAGMENTS.

_____1 While Kathy was studying for her test.

_____2 I lost my keys while I was walking. Through the breezeway and into the garage.

_____3 There are several myths about Thanksgiving. For example, the pilgrims and turkey.

_____4 The water was warmed by the sun.

_____5 The symphony, which the orchestra played.

Some of the items below are fragments, and some are run-ons. Write C on the line if the sentence is
correct. Rewrite sentence to correct any errors.

_____1 The dog came into our yard. Through the bushes.

_____2 Dad needs a haircut, he will go to the barber on First Street.

_____3 We stayed at the most expensive hotel in Boston. Which is near the all the theaters.

_____4 The gas tank was full. So we were ready for the trip.

_____5 The children played together, their parents chatted.

_____6 Getting an after-school job is important. Because I need the money.

_____7 The dance was fun, everyone had a good time.

_____8 The only problem was the band, which was too loud.

_____9 After the tardy bell rang.

_____10 I am expecting a letter, is the mail here yet?