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Understanding Run-Ons and Fragments

1. What Are Run‑Ons and Fragments?

These are two major sentence‑level errors that damage clarity and professionalism.

Run‑On Sentence

A run‑on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined incorrectly — with no punctuation, the wrong punctuation, or without a conjunction.

Fragment

A fragment is an incomplete sentence that is missing:

  • A subject
  • A verb
  • Or a complete thought

Both errors confuse readers and break the flow of an article.

2. What Is a Run‑On Sentence?

A run‑on sentence happens when a writer connects independent clauses without proper punctuation or connectors.

Examples of Run‑Ons

  • The update launched users installed it immediately.
  • The player scored the crowd erupted.
  • The movie premiered it broke records.

These sentences contain multiple complete thoughts smashed together.

A. Types of Run‑Ons

1. Fused Sentence

Two independent clauses with no punctuation.

Example:

The app crashed the team fixed it.

2. Comma Splice

Two independent clauses joined with only a comma.

Example:

The app crashed, the team fixed it.

Comma splices are extremely common in fast‑paced writing.

B. How to Fix Run‑Ons

There are four correct ways to fix a run‑on.

1. Add a Period

The app crashed. The team fixed it.

2. Add a Comma + Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)

The app crashed, and the team fixed it.

3. Add a Semicolon

The app crashed; the team fixed it.

4. Add a Semicolon + Transitional Phrase

The app crashed; however, the team fixed it.

These fixes create clean, professional, AP‑Style‑aligned sentences.

3. What Is a Fragment?

A fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but is missing a key component.

A Fragment Is Missing:

  • A subject
  • A verb
  • OR a complete thought

Examples of Fragments

  • Because the update launched early.
  • When the player missed the shot.
  • Such an incredible moment.
  • Running down the field.

These leave the reader hanging.

A. Types of Fragments

1. Dependent Clause Fragment

Starts with a subordinating conjunction but doesn’t finish the thought.

Example:

Although the movie leaked early.

2. Phrase Fragment

Contains no subject or verb.

Example:

In the middle of the stadium.

3. Missing Subject or Verb

Example:

Went viral overnight. (Missing subject)

B. How to Fix Fragments

Fragments must be attached to a complete independent clause.

1. Complete the Thought

Fragment:

Because the update launched early.  

Fix:

Because the update launched early, users installed it immediately.

2. Add a Subject or Verb

Fragment:

Went viral overnight.  

Fix:

The video went viral overnight.

3. Attach to a Nearby Sentence

Fragment:

In the middle of the stadium.  

Fix:

The fans cheered in the middle of the stadium.

4. Why Avoiding Run‑Ons and Fragments Matters

This is where it ties directly into Total Apex editorial standards.

A. Clarity

Readers must understand the message instantly.

B. SEO

Google rewards:

  • Clean syntax
  • Clear subjects and verbs
  • Complete thoughts

Run‑ons and fragments confuse search engines.

C. Professional Tone

AP‑Style writing demands:

  • Complete sentences
  • Logical structure
  • Clean punctuation

D. Mobile Readability

Short, complete sentences perform better on mobile screens.

E. Reduced Editing Time

Clean sentences = fewer rewrites.

5. Examples in Real Article Writing

Run‑On Example

Before (Run‑On):  

The trailer dropped fans reacted instantly.

After (Correct):  

The trailer dropped, and fans reacted instantly.

Fragment Example

Before (Fragment):  

When the player missed the shot.

After (Correct):  

When the player missed the shot, the crowd gasped.

Another Example

Before (Run‑On):  

The update launched it caused issues for users.

After (Correct):  

The update launched, but it caused issues for users.

6. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

Avoiding run‑ons and fragments is essential for producing clean, professional, high‑performing content.

Writers must:

  • Use complete thoughts
  • Connect clauses correctly
  • Avoid smashing ideas together
  • Ensure every sentence has a subject + verb
  • Keep sentences short, clear, and intentional

Mastering this skill helps contributors deliver newsroom‑ready writing across every Total Apex vertical — from news to gaming to sports to lifestyle.