ENG 9: Sentence Errors Review

Questions

Answers are hidden — practise the set to check yourself.

1. 1What is a sentence fragment?
   AAn incomplete sentence punctuated as though it were complete

   BA very short but correct sentence

   CA sentence with too many commas

   DA sentence that asks a question
2. 2Name one common cause of a fragment:
   AToo many adjectives

   BMissing a subject

   CIncorrect capitalization

   DThe wrong verb tense
3. 3“Although the storm passed.” — fragment or complete sentence?
   AComplete sentence

   BA run-on

   CFragment

   DA comma splice
4. 4What is a run-on sentence?
   AA sentence that is simply too long

   BAny sentence containing a semicolon

   CA sentence that asks a question

   DTwo or more complete sentences written as if they were one
5. 5“It rained the entire time the boys were on vacation they still enjoyed the trip.” What type of run-on is this?
   AFused — missing punctuation entirely

   BComma splice

   CNot actually an error

   DA fragment
6. 6“It rained the entire time, they still enjoyed the trip.” What type of run-on is this?
   AFused

   BComma splice — just a comma joining two independent clauses

   CNot actually an error

   DA fragment
7. 7Name one of the five ways to fix a run-on sentence:
   AAdd more descriptive words

   BIgnore it — it will still be understood

   CSeparate the clauses with a period

   DAdd several exclamation points
8. 8A sentence missing a subject is usually an example of:
   AA run-on

   BA comma splice

   CCorrect, standard punctuation

   DA fragment
9. 9A sentence missing a main verb is usually an example of:
   AA fragment

   BA run-on

   CA complete sentence

   DCorrect, standard punctuation
10. 10An isolated dependent clause with nothing attached to it is usually an example of:
    AA run-on

    BA fragment

    CA correctly punctuated sentence

    DA question
11. 11One way to fix a run-on is to turn one clause into a dependent clause. Which shows this fix?
    AAdding only a period at the very end

    BDeleting several words from the sentence

    C“Although it rained, they still enjoyed the trip.”

    DAdding exclamation marks throughout
12. 12A comma splice specifically means:
    ATwo fragments joined together

    BA sentence with too many commas overall

    CCorrect use of a FANBOYS word

    DTwo independent clauses joined with only a comma
13. 13“I refilled the feeder with thistle seeds. Which the goldfinches really liked.” What's the error here?
    AFragment — an isolated clause with no independent clause attached

    BRun-on

    CBoth sentences are correct as written

    DComma splice
14. 14“A large bird with blue feathers eating from the feeder for weeks.” What's the error here?
    ARun-on

    BFragment — missing a main verb

    CThis is a correct, complete sentence

    DComma splice
15. 15“He tried to fix it but it still wouldn't work she was frustrated.” What's the error here?
    AFragment

    BThis is a correct, complete sentence

    CRun-on (fused)

    DA question
16. 16If you're unsure how to fix a run-on, which fix is the safest default?
    AA semicolon, even without checking if the clauses are related

    BAdding more commas throughout the sentence

    CDeleting one of the clauses completely

    DA period, splitting it into two separate sentences
17. 17“Seemed particularly fond of sunflower seeds.” What's missing that makes this a fragment?
    AA subject

    BA verb

    CA period

    DCapitalization
18. 18Why does it matter to be able to identify fragments and run-ons?
    AIt makes your sentences longer

    BIt helps you write clear, grammatically complete sentences

    CIt helps you use more adjectives

    DIt helps you avoid all punctuation