After a few loose 2-0 Vicryl sutures were used, the fifth toe rotation flap was trimmed to fit the base of both the fourth and fifth previous digits.
A. fragment
B. run-on
C. comma splice
D. complete sentence
Read this aloud. Then let us know what you think.
After a few loose 2-0 Vicryl sutures were used, the fifth toe rotation flap was trimmed to fit the base of both the fourth and fifth previous digits.
Fragment
C. comma splice
C. comma splice
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the different types of sentence structures.
- A fragment is an incomplete sentence that does not express a complete thought. It lacks either a subject or a verb or both.
- A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are connected improperly without appropriate punctuation.
- A comma splice is a specific type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are connected only by a comma, which is incorrect punctuation.
- A complete sentence is a sentence that expresses a complete thought with a subject and a verb.
In the given statement, "After a few loose 2-0 Vicryl sutures were used, the fifth toe rotation flap was trimmed to fit the base of both the fourth and fifth previous digits.", we can see that there are two independent clauses:
1. "After a few loose 2-0 Vicryl sutures were used"
2. "the fifth toe rotation flap was trimmed to fit the base of both the fourth and fifth previous digits."
These clauses are separated only by a comma, making it a comma splice. Therefore, option C, comma splice, is the correct answer.
To identify such issues in writing, it is helpful to understand the rules of sentence structure, including how to properly connect independent clauses using appropriate punctuation.