Comma splices and how to fix them the critical reader. A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined together without any connecting punctuation. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses. Runons fused sentences comma splices the above are all names given to compound sentences that are not punctuated correctly. Comma splices a comma splice occurs when two independent clauses or complete sentences are joined by a comma. Two types of runon sentences are fused sentences and comma splices. Comma splices trump all other stylistic issues, which means that no matter how good a sentence sounds otherwise, it cannot be correct if it contains one. Therefore, they should be corrected in any type of writing, be it formal, informal, essays, etc. Sentence fragments, comma splices and runon sentences. The play was incredible, and i never wanted it to end. A comma splice cs and a runon sentence ro both occur when two independent clauses, or two complete sentences, are connected incorrectly. Lets use the above example to show how to fix comma splices.
Directed learning activity runon and comma splice objective. Developing grammar, sentence structure, and mechanics skills will allow us to communicate ideas clearly and effectively. The subject is a noun or pronoun that names the topic of the sentence. Fragments, runons, and comma splices identifying fragments, runons and comma splices. For a comma splice, the two independent clauses have been combined with just a comma. Write cs for all sentences that contain a comma splice. Correcting comma splices and fused sentences there are five different ways to correct comma splices and fused sentences. She is an inductee in the podcasting hall of fame, and the show is a fivetime winner of best education podcast in the podcast awards.
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb. In english grammar, a comma splice or comma fault is the use of a comma to join two. Learn comma splice with free interactive flashcards. Runon sentences, comma splices, fragments when 2 or more simple sentences are joined together in the wrong way, the result is either a runon sentence subject verb subject verb or a comma splice subject verb, subject verb. Turn each independent clause into a separate sentence. Avoid runons and comma splices because they are grammatically incorrect, change the meaning of sentences, and can be easily misread by the reader and cause confusion. Another point in favor of avoiding even acceptable comma splices is that many writers routinely make comma splice errors, so only the most surefooted. Where a sentence has two parts that could stand alone as sentences, with only a comma to separate them, it is a comma splice. Comma splices are becoming more common business insider. In this example the two clauses make sense on their own. A runon or fused sentence is two independent clauses run or fused together with no punctuation. Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused sentences.
A comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate joining word between. Choose whether each of the following sentences or groups of sentences is complete or whether there is a comma splice. Heres an example from page 114 of the original ancestor book, where one of the characters is talking about a cow named fonzie. Runons and comma splices in order to be complete, a sentence must have a subject and predicate that form an independent clause. If adding a conjunction doesnt seem to work, you can change the. Its hot outside, make sure you drink plenty of water. Understanding clauses a clause is comprised of at least one subject and one verb. She wrote, comma splices are the rage on the internet these days.
Our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywhere. Comma splices trump all other stylistic issues, which means that no matter how good a sentence sounds otherwise, it cannot be. Runon sentences and comma splices are closely related errors. Fragments, runons, and comma splices sentence fragments a fragment is an incomplete statement. A comma splice is created by connecting two complete sentences with a comma. The comma splice occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses. First, read the last excerpt about how to create a positive attitude and stop procrastinating from the lane community college website. Choose from 472 different sets of comma splice flashcards on quizlet. Sep 01, 2014 comma splices split a sentence in two this is one of those rare instances in the english language when the grammar concept sounds exactly like what it is. Jim usually gets on with everybody, he is an understanding person. But two full sentences can never be joined with a comma.
My dog is very lazy, he spends all day lying on the couch. With most comma splices, the conjunction youll want to add is probably and, but, or so. First, practice identifying runons and comma splices. Runons, comma splices, and fused sentences are all names given to compound sentences that are not punctuated correctly. Jun 09, 2017 once you learn about comma splices, you notice them everywhere, and a listener named jo has started noticing them. Answers to evennumbered items can be found at the back of the book. First, we could separate the independent clauses into two distinct sentences. Aug 25, 2000 of course, since the comma splice cops dont even recognize questions like the last three examples as comma splices, you can safely use such sentences without fear that you will be sneered at. Mignon fogarty is the founder of quick and dirty tips and the author of seven books on language, including the new york times bestseller grammar girls quick and dirty tips for better writing. To fix a comma splice or fused sentence, use one of the four strategies below. Jun 24, 2010 comma splices seem to be scott siglers biggest problem. Sentence structure sentence structure is the big deal when it comes to usagemechanics problems on the act.
Runon sentences and comma splices tip sheets butte. Avoiding comma splices a comma splice occurs when a writer places a comma by itself between two complete sentences. Correcting comma splices use a period you can break your sentence into two using a period. Avoiding comma splices university academic success. Comma splices split a sentence in two this is one of those rare instances in the english language when the grammar concept sounds exactly like what it is. The commaspliced sentence can be corrected three ways. One way to fix a comma splice is to add a conjunction immediately after the comma. Remove the comma and combine the two sentences into one. This sentence structure is called a compound sentence. There are a number of ways to recognize and fix this grammatical issue. When a sentence contains two independent clauses each of which could essentially stand on its own separated by a comma or by nothing at all, in which case its called a fused sentence, employ one of these five. By turning your runons and comma splices into compound sentences, you will greatly improve the readability of your writing.
Try not to conflate to blend, mix, combine the two terms. Of course, since the comma splice cops dont even recognize questions like the last three examples as comma splices, you can safely use such sentences without fear that you will be sneered at. A comma splice is a comma that joins splices two independent clauses. Mar 03, 2011 comma splice two sentences separated by a comma. The first occurs when a writer puts no mark of punctuation and no coordinating conjunction between independent clauses. Comma splices and fused sentences san jose state university. Of the 40 usagemechanics questions, almost half of them 18 to be exact will test you on your knowledge of sentence structure, the topics of which include. Sonnet fitzgeralds answer and quora users answer correctly describe the grammar rules involved, but they both boil down to the same idea.
S3a identifying comma splices write cs after each item that contains a comma splice and no cs after those that do not. The comma splice is a type of runon sentence, where two independent clauses are joined together without the use of a conjunction and only with a comma. Because of the amount of rain in the southern region of brazil, residents have been advised to prepare for flooding. Runons and comma splices runon sentences and comma splices are closely related errors. I love watching movies i am a regular customer at blockbuster.
More and more people are communicating with comma splices, says bryan a. A comma splice is simply a sentence in which a comma is called on to do more than is appropriate for the workaday but weak punctuation mark. A comma is not the proper way to join two sentences. Sentence fragments, comma splices, and runon sentences are grammatical and stylistic bugs that can seriously derail an otherwise polished academic paper. Fragments, runons, and comma splices stark state college. Comma splices a comma splice occurs when two independent clauses thoughts capable of standing by themselves are connected only by a comma, as in the following example.
Comma splices tend to confuse the reader, and often make the text misleading. Correcting runons and comma splices runon sentences and comma splices confuse readers by eliminating natural pauses and necessary words. A comma splice happens when two independent clauses are joined together with a comma. Recognizing runons and comma splices practice khan. Comma splices are similar to runon sentences, which join two independent clauses without any punctuation and without a conjunction such as and, but for, etc. To understand comma splices you must understand grammatical terms like clause and independent clause. Every sentence needs a subject and a verb, and if one of these elements is missing, the meaning is unclear. Get dla handout, look over directions, go to a work station computer, desk.
After listening for weeks to her boyfriend steve bragging about his mothers chili, amy anticipated the first delicious spoonful, the hair floating among. Because comma splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period a full stop at the end of the first clause and then begin the second one with a capital letter. Sara obviously named that one, she was a sucker for those old happy days reruns. The cruise missile is a slow but highly evasive nuclear missile that can fly under enemy radar, it can be launched from air, land, or sea to strike within a few hundred feet of the preselected target. Voiceover so that is how you identify and fix runons and comma splices. Runons and comma splices writing and communication centre. The play was so incredible that i never wanted it to end. A runon is a sentence made of two or more independent clauses that are run together with no.
The comma splice is one of the most frequent mistakes made when using a comma. Comma splices a comma splice occurs when only a comma is used to join two independent clauses. Some people use the term runon sentence to refer both to fused sentences and comma splices. Klinck, unravelling the comma splice like fragments, comma splices are only a nono when done poorly. Often, the comma conveys a finesse which the semicolon would destroy. I am not angry with you, but i am not happy with you, either. A runon sentence occurs when multiple independent clauses are unpunctuated or lack connections in a single. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses groups of words that can stand alone as sentences are joined together by a comma.
The comma splice is one of the most frequently tested errors on both sat writing and act english. Learn to recognize what comma splices look like, and be sure to avoid them in your essays. Comma splices and runon sentences are caused by punctuation errors and are corrected in similar ways. If a comma is used incorrectly between two sentences, readers cannot tell where one thought ends and another begins. A fragment is missing either a subject or a verb, making it just a fragment of a sentence rather than a. A comma splice cs or a fused sentence fs occurs when two independent clauses, or two complete sentences, are incorrectly connected. Think about all the bad results that will happen if you dont work.
Hunched over the keyboard for hours, charlie used two fingers to hunt and peck out the 2,000word research paper when lightning caused his computer to crash, charlie wept more tears than the thunderclouds spilled rain. Runon sentences and comma splices tip sheets butte college. Review these examples to help avoid comma splices in your writing. A comma splice occurs when a comma alone is used to separate two independent clauses in one sentence. Nov 04, 20 sonnet fitzgeralds answer and quora users answer correctly describe the grammar rules involved, but they both boil down to the same idea. Comma splices answer key and teaching tips comma splice answer keyteaching tips. Well, i have written about them, but it was four years ago, so its definitely time for a refresher. Each sentence below contains three underlined parts, one of which is a comma splice or fused sentence. Join the two independent clauses with one of the coordinating conjunctions and, but, for, or, nor, so. Although our ideas may be insightful, even brilliant, flaws in grammar may make those ideas difficult to understand. The second is called a comma splice, which occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined by just a comma and no coordinating conjunction.
Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused. Inserting a coordinating conjunction for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so plus a comma correctly links these independent clauses. Voiceover right, the commas being used but we need some bigger punctuation in place of the comma, something like a semicolon, in order to make a distinction between those two independent clauses. I love going to the park on the weekends, it is really relaxing. They also suggest to your reader that your message might have been carelessly prepared. It could be that comma splices will soon be somehow considered standard. Splicing is about uniting getting the independent clauses closer together and you only want to unite compatible couples. A comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate joining word between them. We tried to call you, but you didnt pick up the phone. The best way to avoid such errors is to punctuate compound sentences correctly by using one or the other of these rules. Student will be able to identify and correct runons and comma splices. Margaret atwood is best known for her novels her essays and poems are also worth.
Join the independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. The titanic continues to draw big crowds, i really want to see it. Comma splice two sentences separated by a comma rule comma splices are always wrong the comma splice is one of the most frequently tested errors on both sat writing and act english. Sentences and comma splices are specific types of runon sentences. Comma splices and runons comma splices and runon sentences are caused by punctuation errors and are corrected in similar ways. The comma just isnt strong enough to do the job of making one grammatical sentence out of two. It will enable the student to identify potential runons and fragments as well as determine the appropriate way to fix them fragments are sentences that are incomplete. Sometimes the two types of sentences are treated differently based on the presence or absence of a comma, but most writers consider the comma splice as a special type of runon sentence. Fragments and runons this module will cover run on sentences, comma splices and fragments.
1064 1315 1173 58 816 1295 963 376 1140 1572 1120 245 1537 80 95 961 1040 1330 976 484 2 722 1023 271 88 62 1505 1512 1518 1367 978 1507 1110 246 1074 1277 275 1338 150 710 987 863