Common Grammar Errors

Run-On: a sentence in which two or more independent clauses (i.e., complete sentences) are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction

NO PUNCTUATION: Examples

• The computer is a useful tool it can be used for writing papers
• My mother says I can go first I have to empty the garbage, though.
• Once upon a time there was a man his name was Josh.

COMMA SPLICES: EXAMPLES

• I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long.
• She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding.
• My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief.

Sentence fragment: part of a sentence set off by a capital letter and final punctuation

Fragment Examples

• Since I came to school.
• Because I do not enjoy grammar activities.
• Which is why I cried.

Modifiers: words, phrases, or clauses that provide description in sentences

Misplaced - too much space separates the modifier and its target


Dangling - the modifier has no target

Misplaced:
Sauced with lumpy gravy, the waitress served Gilbert a plate of gray meatloaf.

The waitress is sauced with lumpy gravy? That's not logical!

Correction:
The waitress served Gilbert a plate of gray meatloaf sauced with lumpy gravy.

Dangling:
Studying the unappetizing plate of food, all appetite was lost.

We assume that Gilbert is the one studying the plate, but notice that he doesn't appear in the sentence. Thus, studying the unappetizing plate of food has no target to modify.

Now, use the GrammarBytes exercises provided for you by Mr. Cardon to practice these skills on your own.