Fixing Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons for SAT Writing Success
Introduction
Sentence fragments and run-on sentences are two of the most common grammar mistakes tested on the SAT Writing and Language section. Understanding how to identify and fix these errors is critical for improving your score.
This guide will cover:
- What sentence fragments and run-ons are.
- How to identify these errors on the SAT.
- Step-by-step strategies to fix them.
What Are Sentence Fragments?
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that is missing a subject, verb, or complete thought.
Examples
- Incorrect: Because I studied all night.
- Correct: I performed well on the test because I studied all night.
Tip: If the sentence cannot stand alone, it’s a fragment.
What Are Run-On Sentences?
A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined incorrectly without proper punctuation.
Examples
- Incorrect: I studied for the test I felt confident.
- Correct:
- I studied for the test. I felt confident.
- I studied for the test, and I felt confident.
- I studied for the test; I felt confident.
Strategies to Fix Sentence Fragments
- Add a Missing Subject or Verb
- Fragment: Went to the library to study.
- Fix: He went to the library to study.
- Combine with a Complete Sentence
- Fragment: Because I missed the bus.
- Fix: I was late because I missed the bus.
- Check for Subordinating Words
Words like although, because, since, or if often start fragments.
Strategies to Fix Run-On Sentences
- Use a Period
Break the sentence into two shorter sentences.- Run-On: I was hungry I made a sandwich.
- Fix: *I was
- Strategies to Fix Run-On Sentences
- Use a Period
Break the sentence into two separate sentences.
Run-On: I was hungry I made a sandwich.
Fix: I was hungry. I made a sandwich.
- Use a Comma and Coordinating Conjunction
Add a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Run-On: The test was difficult I studied a lot.
Fix: The test was difficult, but I studied a lot.
- Use a Semicolon
A semicolon connects two independent clauses that are closely related.
Run-On: He missed the bus he walked to school.
Fix: He missed the bus; he walked to school.
- Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Turn one clause into a dependent clause using words like because, although, since, or while.
Run-On: She loves painting it relaxes her.
Fix: She loves painting because it relaxes her.
Identifying Fragments and Run-Ons on the SAT
- Look for Complete Sentences
A sentence needs:- A subject (who/what)
- A verb (action or state of being)
- A complete thought
- Find Independent Clauses
- Independent clauses can stand alone. If two are joined incorrectly, it’s a run-on.
- Watch for Subordinating Words
Words like because, although, or if often signal fragments when left incomplete.
- Practice Questions
Question 1: Sentence Fragment
Which version corrects the fragment?
Fragment: Although the team worked hard on the project.
- The team worked hard on the project.
B. Although the team worked hard, they finished late.
Answer: B. The sentence adds a main clause to make it complete.
Question 2: Run-On Sentence
Identify the best correction:
Run-On: The weather was cold we wore our jackets.
- The weather was cold. We wore our jackets.
B. The weather was cold we wore, our jackets.
C. The weather was cold; we wore our jackets.
Answer: C. The semicolon correctly connects two independent clauses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing Commas: Adding a comma between independent clauses without a conjunction creates a comma splice.
- Forgetting Subjects or Verbs: Always check that a sentence has both.
- Ignoring Subordinating Words: Phrases starting with although, because, or since need a main clause to complete them.
Summary
Fixing sentence fragments and run-on sentences is key to mastering the SAT Writing section. Always check for complete sentences, avoid incorrect punctuation, and use conjunctions or semicolons to fix run-ons.
With practice, these errors become easy to spot and correct, boosting your accuracy and confidence.
📅 Book Your Free SAT Writing Consultation Today!
Skinat Tuition | Where International Students Achieve Excellence.