Comma Splice and Fused Sentences What is a

Comma Splice and Fused Sentences

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.

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

Strategies to 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.

Which strategy works best? • 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.

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.

Exceptions • 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?

Let’s Practice • 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.

Answers • 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 continued • 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 to Practice Questions • 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 Continued • “ 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 • 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.

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.