How it works
Each sheet draws 6 broken sentences from our own bank, with lines to write on. A fragment has a part missing, so the child adds it. A run-on is two sentences with nothing between them, to split or join.
Read the full guide
Two sets: fragments and run-ons
Set keeps the sheet to one kind. Fix the fragment prints a group of words with a part missing: Sprinted the whole way to the ferry dock. Fix the run-on prints two sentences run together. Where a word follows in brackets, join them with a comma and that word: The road was icy the bus drove slowly. (so) Where none follows, write two sentences.
Your own sentences
Type one broken sentence a line, an equals sign, then one way to fix it for the key: We were late the bus broke down. = We were late. The bus broke down. Your lines replace ours.
- A fragment can be finished in many ways. The key shows one.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a fragment and a run-on?
A fragment is less than a sentence: it has no subject, no verb, or a thought left unfinished. A run-on is more than one: two complete sentences joined with no punctuation or joining word between them.
How do you fix a run-on sentence?
Put a period between the two sentences, or join them with a comma and a word such as and, but, or or so. A semicolon also works. These sheets practice the first two ways.
Why is this a 4th grade worksheet?
The Common Core places the skill in grade 4: standard L.4.1f asks students to produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons. The sentences here use everyday words, so a strong third grader can try them.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. Printed or saved as a PDF, it is the last page unless you uncheck Add an answer key as the last page under More options. It shows one right way to write each line.