Comma Splice and Fused Sentences

1. Comma Splice and Fused Sentences

2. What is a comma splice and fused sentence? • A comma splice and a fused sentence are two kinds of run-on sentences. • Comma splice: an error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma. • Fused sentence: an error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation.

3. Comma splice: Mandy went to the store for candy, she also went for milk. Two independent clauses are joined by a comma. Fused Sentence: Mandy went to the store for candy she also went for milk. Two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation. Examples

4. Strategiesto revise a comma splice or fused sentence • Use a period to separate the clauses • Use a semicolon • Add an appropriate coordinating conjunction such as but, yet, and, or, for, so, nor • Subordinate one clause to the other, creating a complex sentence.

5. When to use a period: when clauses are longer or when they are not closely related. When to use a semicolon: use semicolon between two closely related independent clauses that convey contrasting information. When to add a coordinating conjunction: if two closely related clauses are of equal importance. Don’t forget a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Which strategy works best?

6. Continued • When to subordinate one clause to the other: when two clauses are not of equal importance. Make sure to place the less important idea in a dependent clause.

7. If a comma splice is used in dialogue between a statement and a tag question, then it is acceptable. Example: This is Mary’s dog, isn’t it? Exceptions

8. Practice: Revise the following comma splice or fused sentences using one of the strategies. 1.) The fans yelled from their seats, the game was about to begin. 2.) Megan wanted to become a lawyer Candice wanted to become a doctor. Let’s Practice

9. The fans yelled from their seats, the game was about to begin. This is a comma splice. Method #1: The fans yelled from their seats; the game was about to begin. Method #2: The fans yelled from their seats, for the game was about to begin. Answers

10. Megan wanted to become a lawyer Candice wanted to become a doctor. This is a fused sentence. Revised: Megan wanted to become a lawyer, but Candice wanted to become a doctor. Answers continued

11. Mark’s apartment is blue Jack’s apartment is yellow. Two independent clauses conveys contrasting information. Answer: This is a fused sentence. Revised: Mark’s apartment is blue; Jack’s apartment is yellow. Answers to Practice Questions

12. “ I love this book,” Jenny said, “I wish I bought part two sooner.” This is two complete sentence. You can revise with a period. Answer: This is a comma splice. Revised: “I love this book,” Jenny said. “I wish I bought part two sooner.” Answers Continued

13. He said he was coming, didn’t he? This comma splice is used in dialogue between a statement and a tag question. This is a comma splice. No revision, it is acceptable. Answers

14. That’s It! • This was your mini lesson on comma splice and fused sentences. If you have any question, refer to your handout or one of the grammar experts.