Fragments and Run-ons

Lovin’ Grammar –First learn the rules; then learn how to break them.

Independent Clauses, Fragments, and Run-ons

Hopefully, this should be a refresher for you. The grammatical terms above are the basics of almost all the grammar we will discuss throughout the year. Without further adieu, here we go…

I) Independent Clauses (ICs) are groups of words that can make complete sentences. That last sentence is an example. This sentence is an example. This one? (not so much). Sentences can have more than one IC in them as long as the punctuation is accurate, but that is for another day.

The following are examples of ICs
a) UCLA is the country’s greatest school.
b) Tennis, while not as popular as other sports, is making a strong comeback.
c) IMAX is the only way to view movies; the experience of the theater itself is half the enjoyment. (This sentence has two ICs)

What’s the smallest IC? Great question.... “I am.”


II) Fragments are just what they sound like – groups of words that do not make complete sentences. They are major errors in polished writing assignments.

Here are a few examples…
a) While I was watching the Yankees lose
b) Heath Ledger’s role
c) After returning from vacation and unpacking our bags


III) Run-On Sentences occur when two independent clauses are put together with proper punctuation between them. This happens more often than you might think, and like fragments, they are major errors in polished writing assignments. We will learn ways to punctuate them next week.

Here are some examples of Run-On sentences…
a) It’s so fantastic to be back at school we all look forward to it with great anticipation.
b) Even with our computers, we will still have to spend time writing by hand it’s important to have decent penmanship.

Homework:
a) In your blog, create a Grammar post for today’s content. Tag it with the word ‘Grammar’. In your post, do the following…
a. Write the above terms and your own definitions and examples.
b. Add at least two links to outside sources that deal with this week’s information (articles, videos, podcasts, other blogs..) If you use a video, incorporate it into your post.
c. Add at least one rss feed to your blog dealing with grammar.
d. Add at least one picture to your post with accurate MLA formatting.
b) Go to the class wiki and add an original comment and a response to another student for one of the discussion questions.
c) Add five grammar websites to your delicious account; organize each one with at least two tags.

This is due on Thursday.