Writing Lab Comma Splices and Runon Sentences Comma

Writing Lab Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Comma Splice • A comma splice occurs when only a comma separates two complete sentences (independent clauses). • A comma splice is not a comma error. • A comma splice results when two independent clauses are joined solely by a comma. • I admired Wonder Woman, for a long time she was my hero.

Run-on • A run-on occurs when two complete sentences are fused together without proper punctuation. • A run-on or fused sentence, two sentences without any punctuation or conjunction between them, is identical to a comma splice but without the comma. • I admired Wonder Woman for a long time she was my hero.

Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons • A period or semicolon correctly marks sentence boundaries. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so) offer alternatives for connecting two sentences. (Use a comma preceding the coordinating conjunction. ) • I admired Wonder Woman. For a long time, she was my hero. • I admired Wonder Woman; for a long time, she was my hero. • I admired Wonder Woman, and for a long time, she was my hero.

Comma Splice Examples • Incorrect: This company has never printed novels, textbooks are its principal publication. • Correct: This company has never printed novels; textbooks are its principal publication. • Incorrect: Wearing a seat belt is not just a good idea, it’s the law. • Correct: Wearing a seat belt is not just a good idea; it’s the law.

Comma Splice Examples cont. • Incorrect: Mrs. Webb listens to everyone’s opinions, then she makes up her own mind. • Correct: Mrs. Webb listens to everyone’s opinions; then she makes up her own mind. • Incorrect: Difficult puzzles first cause amazement and thought, then they create a mood of frustration and anger. • Correct: Difficult puzzles first cause amazement and thought; then they create a mood of frustration and anger.

Run-on Examples • Incorrect: Psychohistory is a relatively new type of study it combines the insights of psychology with the data of history. • Correct: Psychohistory is a relatively new type of study; it combines the insights of psychology with the data of history. • Incorrect: “You” is a second person pronoun rarely used in the South most Southerners use “y‘all” instead. • Correct: “You” is a second person pronoun rarely used in the South; most Southerners use “y‘all” instead.

Run-on Examples cont. • Incorrect: Some television shows are no doubt worthless however, there are many programs that can truly be called educational. • Correct: Some television shows are no doubt worthless; however, there are many programs that can truly be called educational.

That’s all, folks! • This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series • Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon • To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson