Run-ons, Fragments and Comma Splices

Explanation

A run-on joins independent clauses with no punctuation, a comma splice joins them with only a comma, and a fragment is a group of words that cannot stand alone. Repair them with a full stop, a semicolon, or a conjunction plus a comma.

Examples

• The meeting ended late, everyone was tired. The meeting ended late; everyone was tired.
• Because the file was corrupt. Because the file was corrupt, we restored the backup.
• We finished the draft the editor approved it. We finished the draft, and the editor approved it.

Common mistakes

• The meeting ended late, everyone was tired.

  The meeting ended late; everyone was tired.

  A comma cannot join clauses.

• Because the file was corrupt.

  Because the file was corrupt, we restored the backup.

  A subordinate clause is a fragment alone.

• We finished the draft the editor approved it.

  We finished the draft, and the editor approved it.

  Independent clauses need a junction.