Recognizing comma splices Independent clauses When we have

Recognizing comma splices

Independent clauses �When we have a subject, a verb and a complete thought, we have a sentence. �(This is also known as an independent clause – independent because it can stand alone)

Independent clauses �We can add muscle to our writing and build more complex sentences by joining two independent clauses.

Comma splice �Writers often recognize two independent clauses, but they separate them only with a comma. � A comma is never enough! The result is a comma splice

Comma splice �People say that being a stay-at-home mom or dad is an important job, their actions tell a different story.

Comma splice �People say that being a stay-at-home mom or dad is an important job, their actions tell a different story.

Comma splice �There are four solutions: � 1. Replace the comma with a semicolon �People say that being a stay-at-home mom or dad is an important job; their actions tell a different story.

Comma splice �There are four solutions: � 2. Make two separate sentences, replacing the comma with a period and capitalizing the next word �People say that being a stay-at-home mom or dad is an important job. Their actions tell a different story.

Comma splice �There are four solutions: � 3. Add a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent.

Comma splice �There are four solutions: � 3. Add a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent. Although If When As Once Where Because Since Whereas Before Unless Whether Even though Until While

Comma splice �There are four solutions: � 3. Add a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent. �People say that being a stay-at-home mom or dad is an important job although their actions tell a different story.

Comma splice �There are four solutions: � 4. Keep the comma and add a coordinating conjunction. �But first. . . what’s a coordinating conjunction?

There are only seven coordinating conjunctions �For �And �Nor �But �Or �Yet �So

Remember FANBOYS �For �And �Nor �But �Or �Yet �So

Remember FANBOYS �For (because) �And (in addition to) �Nor (not either) �But (however) �Or (indicates a choice) �Yet (although) �So (therefore)

Comma splice �There are four solutions: � 4. Keeping the comma, but adding a FANBOYS �People say that being a stay-at-home mom or dad is an important job, but their actions tell a different story.

Examples: Comma splice �The first day of school is always a forced routine, you don’t want to go but you’re forced into it.

Examples: Comma splice �The first day of school is always a forced routine, you don’t want to go but you’re forced into it. �My father then refused to have anything to do with my Quinceañera, he said he would not be present for either event.

Examples: Comma splice �When I looked at the test it was really hard, there words that were ten letters long.

Examples: Comma splice �When I looked at the test it was really hard, there words that were ten letters long. �Procrastination is a dangerous thing, it can cause many problems.

For more practice … �Go to www. chomp. com �Click on Exercises �Try 2 -5