Mrs. Loomis

 To eliminate the comma splice, first you need to understand the definition of an independent clause.  An independent clause  contains a SUBJECT and a VERB  can stand independently/alone.  Which of the following is an independent clause?  When Pearl S. Buck wrote The Good Earth. Is there a subject? Is there a verb? Can it stand alone?  Pearl S. Buck wrote The Good Earth. Is there a subject? Is there a verb? Can it stand alone?

 A comma splice is defined as connecting two independent clauses with a comma.  Example: I went to Blockbuster, I rented Shakespeare in Love.  A comma alone is too weak to connect two independent clauses; therefore, you must use stronger punctuation.

 Create two complete sentences  I went to Blockbuster. I rented Shakespeare in Love.  Use a dependent clause  When I went to Blockbuster, I rented Shakespeare in Love.  Use a semicolon  I went to Blockbuster; I rented Shakespeare in Love.  Use a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)  I went to Blockbuster, and I rented Shakespeare in Love.

 On your own paper, correct the following sentences if they contain a comma splice (some do not). Use a different method each time.  Tony’s mother and father are opposites, Tony contains characteristics of each parent.  When Tony first went to school, he felt isolated.  Lupito had “war sickness,” the men shot him regardless.  Tony’s brothers returned from war, so their mother was overjoyed.  Two of Tony’s brothers left, only Andrew stayed.  Ultima uses her magic for both good and evil, she is a paradoxical character.

 Why is the following example incorrect?  Ultima uses her magic for both good and evil, and is a paradoxical character.

 Who” and “Whom” refer only to people.  “That” generally refers to animals and things  “Which” cannot refer to people.  Use “Who” if the pronoun is the subject of a verb.  Use “Whom” if the pronoun is the object of a verb, preposition, or infinitive.  Or, implement the “M” rule:  In other words, try substituting “Him,” “Her(m)” or “Them” in place of who/whom.  If one of the “M” pronouns works, use “Whom.” If not, use “Who.”

 On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/that  The teacher ________________ ate the carrot turned orange. To test the “m” rule, break the sentence into its clauses: The teacher turned orange. _____ ate the carrot. Therefore, use “Who”

 On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/that  The teacher _________ I like the best is Mrs. Hawkins. To test the “m” rule, break the sentence into its clauses: The teacher is Mrs. Hawkins. I like _______ the best. Therefore, use “Whom”

 On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/that  I was not sure _______ had written the letter.  Could it be someone ________ I had asked out on a date?  To ________ do you wish to speak?  The cat ________ ate the rat threw up.  Odysseus is a hero _________ everyone admires.  Any questions?  Get it? Got it? Good!

 That introduces essential clauses  Example:  I do not trust products that claim "all natural ingredients" because this phrase can mean almost anything. We would not know which products were being discussed without the that clause.

 Which introduces nonessential clauses.  The product claiming "all natural ingredients," which appeared in the Sunday newspaper, is on sale. The product is already identified. Therefore, which begins a nonessential clause.  NOTE: Essential clauses do not have commas surrounding them while nonessential clauses are surrounded by commas.

 If this, that, these, or those has already introduced an essential clause, you may use which to introduce the next clause, whether it is essential or nonessential.  Examples: That is a decision which you must live with for the rest of your life. Those ideas, which we've discussed thoroughly enough, do not need to be addressed again. NOTE: Often, you can streamline your sentence by leaving out which. Example: That is a decision which you must live with for the rest of your life. Better: That is a decision you must live with for the rest of your life.

 On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/that  I don’t like movies ____________ are violent.  My favorite movie, ____________ happened to win an Oscar, is The Graduate.  I don’t trust people __________ say they have never lied.  Any questions?  Get it? Got it? Good!