Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences By: Jaclyn Hudak, Tanya Mazsa, and Alex Shuey

Comma Splice  (def): a comma splice consists of two _______________connected with a __________ Independent clauses comma

Run-On Sentence  (def): a run-on sentence combines two independent clauses with no __________ or ___________ conjunctionpunctuation

Ways to Correct Mistakes 1. Place a __________ (such as “and” or “because”) between the clauses 2. Place a __________ between the clauses 3. Make the clauses into ________________ 4. Sometimes add a __________ with a ________________ 1. Place a __________ (such as “and” or “because”) between the clauses 2. Place a __________ between the clauses 3. Make the clauses into ________________ 4. Sometimes add a __________ with a ________________ conjunction semicolon separate sentences semicolon conjunctive adverb

Example One It is down-pouring outside, make sure you bring an umbrella. Correction: It is down-pouring outside, so make sure you bring an umbrella. It is down-pouring outside, make sure you bring an umbrella. Correction: It is down-pouring outside, so make sure you bring an umbrella.  Place a conjunction between the two clauses

Example Two We will teach you how to ride a bike, you must learn the basics first to make it easier. Correction: We will teach you how to ride a bike; you must learn the basics first to make it easier. We will teach you how to ride a bike, you must learn the basics first to make it easier. Correction: We will teach you how to ride a bike; you must learn the basics first to make it easier.  Add a semicolon between the clauses

Example Three David seems happy at his point in life he never seems to encounter many problems. Correction: David seems happy at his point in life. He never seems to encounter many problems. David seems happy at his point in life he never seems to encounter many problems. Correction: David seems happy at his point in life. He never seems to encounter many problems.  Make the run-on sentence into two separate sentences

Example Four Some people enjoy watching scary movies, however, others prefer funny movies. Correction: Some people enjoy watching scary movies; however, others prefer funny movies. Some people enjoy watching scary movies, however, others prefer funny movies. Correction: Some people enjoy watching scary movies; however, others prefer funny movies.  Add a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb

Activities!  Comma Splices /quizzes/nova/nova4.htm  Run-On Sentences /cgi-shl/quiz.pl/run-ons_add2.htm  Comma Splices /quizzes/nova/nova4.htm  Run-On Sentences /cgi-shl/quiz.pl/run-ons_add2.htm