What is the Difference Between Sentence Fragment and Run On?

The main difference between a sentence fragment and a run-on sentence lies in their completeness and the way they connect ideas. Here is a comparison of the two:

Sentence Fragment:

• A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence, often missing a subject, verb, or an independent clause.
• It may have a missing subject or verb, or an incomplete thought.
• Fragments can be corrected by identifying the missing element and including it.
• For example: "Shows no improvement in any of the vital signs." (This fragment is missing a subject, such as "The patient.")

Run-On Sentence:

• A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (complete sentences) are connected improperly.
• Run-ons can be categorized into fused sentences and comma splices.
• They can be corrected by using a period, semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction to connect the independent clauses properly.
• For example: "I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time." (This run-on sentence can be corrected by using a period or a semicolon, such as: "I love to write papers. I would write one every day if I had the time.")

In summary, sentence fragments are incomplete sentences, while run-on sentences connect independent clauses improperly. Both are sentence structure errors that can be corrected by identifying the missing or improperly connected elements and fixing them accordingly.

Comparative Table: Sentence Fragment vs Run On

Here is a table comparing the differences between a sentence fragment and a run-on sentence:

To fix a sentence fragment, you need to identify the missing element (subject, predicate, or both) and include it. For example, the fragment "Shows no improvement in any of the vital signs" can be corrected to "The patient shows no improvement in any of the vital signs."

To fix a run-on sentence, you can use a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction (such as "and" or "but") to connect the independent clauses properly. For example, the run-on sentence "I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time" can be corrected to "I love to write papers; I would write one every day if I had the time."