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Run-ons & Sentence Fragments
A complete sentence must have a subject and a verb to express a complete thought, and punctuation helps connect or separate sentences correctly.
What is it
A run-on or sentence fragment is when we haven't made a complete sentence, either by missing a subject or verb, or by connecting two sentences incorrectly.
- Run-on: when two sentences are joined without proper punctuation, making them hard to understand.
- Sentence fragment: a group of words that doesn't express a complete thought, often missing a verb or subject.
When to use it
- We use complete sentences to express a full thought, making our writing clear and easy to follow.
- Proper punctuation, like commas or periods, helps to separate or connect ideas correctly in our sentences.
- Avoiding run-ons and fragments helps our writing look polished and professional.
Examples
- The dog ran quickly.
- The dog ran quickly, and the cat hid.
- Because the dog ran quickly, the cat hid.
- The dog ran quickly; the cat hid.
- The dog ran quickly. The cat hid.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong: The dog running quickly. Correct: The dog runs quickly.
- Wrong: The dog ran quickly, the cat hid. Correct: The dog ran quickly, and the cat hid.
- Wrong: The dog ran quickly the cat hid. Correct: The dog ran quickly. The cat hid.
Tip
One way to check for run-ons and fragments is to read your writing out loud; if it sounds strange or incomplete, it likely needs fixing.
Where this matters in your exam
In IELTS Writing Task 2, correct use of punctuation and sentence structure is crucial for coherence and grammar marks, and avoiding run-ons or fragments helps to achieve a higher band score.
- IELTS Writing Task 2
Using proper punctuation to separate ideas is key to a well-organized essay in IELTS Writing Task 2.
- IELTS Writing Task 1
Avoiding sentence fragments in IELTS Writing Task 1 helps to ensure that the report is clear and easy to follow.