IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING RUNON and COMMA SPLICE ERRORS

IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING RUN-ON and COMMA SPLICE ERRORS

The error… The term “run-on sentence” can refer both to fused sentences and comma splices even though they are different errors. I will call them run-on and comma splice Just as fragments can be long, run-ons can be short: I have high standards in the kitchen, the ingredients must be perfect. I only use the freshest vegetables organic olive oil is used when I can afford it. I will right CS or RO in the margins if I see these errors. Step one is to find them. Step two is to to correct them.

Finding comma splices A comma splice is a comma that joins (splices) two independent clauses. An independent clause: Teresa talks all the time. Another independent clause: Joe can’t stand her. A comma splice incorrectly joins them: Teresa talks all the time, Joe can’t stand her.

Correct them Change the comma to a period Teresa talks all the time. Joe can’t stand her. Change the comma to a semi-colon Teresa talks all the time; Joe can’t stand her. Keep the comma and add FANBOYS Teresa talks all the time, and Joe can’t stand her. For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Write down the numbers that contain comma splices. Two sentences are correct. Then, write a correctly punctuated sentence for each error. 1. The Quaid-i-Azam campus of Punjab University is considered excellent, it attracts many students. 2. The stock market has moved in one direction lately, it has gone down. 3. When we are done here, it is time for lunch. 4. Charleston is a beautiful town although it has very humid summers.

Find them in your draft This is a very common error. Look at your first body paragraph and locate the first use of a comma. What is on either side? Should the comma be a period? Continue examining each comma you’ve placed in your paper. Take 10 minutes. Share and discuss with your neighbor.

Run-ons A “run-on” is two independent clauses joined without any punctuation. It’s the opposite of a comma splice. Remember, the term does not mean a sentence is too long. It means you have left out required punctuation: I only use the freshest vegetables organic olive oil is used when I can afford it.

Write down the two words in each sentence that fuses together two complete sentences. 1. Eliza ran to the store she bought some candy. 2. Dogs are sensitive and powerful owners need to take that seriously. 3. Elvis Presley was a great singer he was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream. 4. Computer programs help us live better lives obviously the people who write them should make a lot of money. 5. Brazil is considered a good soccer team they have won several world championships.

Correct them Add a period A semicolon A comma + a connecting word (FANBOYS) 1. Eliza ran to the store she bought some candy. 2. Dogs are sensitive and powerful owners need to take that seriously. 3. Elvis Presley was a great singer he was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream. 4. Computer programs help us live better lives obviously the people who write them should make a lot of money. 5. Brazil is considered a good soccer team they have won several world championships.

Find them in your draft Pick one paragraph. Look at each sentence carefully. Isolate each one. Is anything fused together? Try reading outloud to the person next to you.

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