Grammar Check: Correcting Comma Splices, Sentence

Fragments, and Weak Verbs

UWC Writing WorkshopSpring 2014

Let’s see what’s out

there…

Basics of Sentence Structure

Comma Splices Sentence Fragments

Verbs Use Interesting Verbs Use Verbs You Know Don’t Use Passive Voice Use Literary Present

Where We’re Headed…

What are independent and dependent

clauses? Independent clause is a group of words with

a subject and verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Ex.) The crew could see the whale.

Dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Ex.) which had surfaced only 50m behind them.

Put both examples together. Does it make sense? Do they fit together nicely?

From the Beginning!

To truly understand comma splices and

sentence fragments, you must first remember that there are a few different types of sentences. Simple Sentence: contains one independent

clause (a defined subject and verb can be found) Ex.) I swept the floor.

Compound Sentence: contains two or more independent clauses; can be joined together by a coordinating conjunction Ex.) I swept the floor, and he cleaned the

table.

4 Types of Sentences

Complex Sentence: contains one independent

clause plus one or more dependent clause Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept

the floor. Compound-Complex Sentence: contains two

independent clauses and one or more dependent clause Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept

the floor, and he cleaned the table. Remember: In order to use the following sentences

correctly in your writing, you must first understand how they are constructed!!

4 Types of Sentences (cont’d)

Now that we understand what a sentence is, we

can begin to look at problems that may occur

when writing one!Let’s start with…

Comma Splices!

When two independent clauses are

connected with only a comma A comma splice happens when you use a

comma to join two independent clauses. That’s a no-no in grammar! Commas are used for separating, not connecting.

A Comma Splice is…

Consider the following sentence:

My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Is this correct? Why or why not?

NO! There are two independent clauses joined by a comma! How do we fix it?

Correction #1: Break the sentence into two separate sentences

Correction #2: Add a coordinating conjunction and a comma Correction #3: Add a subordinating conjunction with a

comma

How to Fix a Comma Splice:

The following sentences contain comma

splices. For each sentence, suggest two possible revisions.1. I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long.

2. She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding.

3. My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief.

Let’s Practice!

Also, when considering when to use a comma,

consult the (comma)ndments!

Fail to be a sentence because they cannot stand

alone. They also do not contain even one independent clause.

Sometimes, fragments may be pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. These can be fixed in several ways. Fragment: Purdue offers many majors in

engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.

Possible Revision: Purdue offers many majors in engineering, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.

Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn’t working out too well.

Possible Revision: I need to find a new roommate, because the one I have now isn’t working out too well.

Sentence Fragments…

Also, remember that some fragments are not clearly

pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or main verb. No Main Verb: A story with deep thoughts and

emotions. Possible Revision: She told a story with deep

thoughts and emotions. No Subject: When the ultimate effect of all

advertising is to sell the product. Possible Revision: The ultimate effect of all

advertising is to sell the product.

Sentence Fragments (cont’d)

Let’s Practice!

Read the following sentences and determine whether they are complete sentences or fragments.1. While I was driving to work and there was an

accident on the road.2. Wherever I go, I take my cell phone with me.3. As soon as I finish this grammar exercise, I will

eat lunch.4. Whether I complete this course and get credit

for it in the fall.

When you think about using appropriate,

powerful verbs in your writing, consider the following: Use Interesting Verbs Use Verbs You Know Don’t Use Passive Voice Use Literary Present

Now…Verbs!

NOT: is, was, are, were, shows, states, says,

uses, seems, appears (very BORING!) A thesaurus can make you sound ridiculous if

you choose words that don’t fit in the context of your sentence. Use your online access to the Oxford English Dictionary to see a word in a zillion contexts, or “Google” the word to see how it is used or just for a definition.

Use Interesting Verbs/Verbs You Know

It is sometimes okay! You just need to be

careful not to overuse it, or use it because you don’t want to claim your own ideas.

Example: Passive: The mouse was eaten by the cat. Active: The cat ate the mouse.

Don’t Use Passive Voice!

Note: Treat the book as your present time.

ANYTHING that happens in the book-including what the author writes, scrutinizes, dissects, etc.-is discussed in the present tense.

This means that anything that the book treats as in the past--what happened before the present time of the book is discussed in past tense.

Use Literary Present

Remember that the UWC is always here to help you! 678-839-6513 writing@westga.edu TLC 1201 (First floor, past the snacks) www.westga.edu/writing Like us on Facebook:

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Questions?