1. Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences (Sometimes called run-ons)
T.C. Norris
Fall 2015

2. They like classical music.
Definitions
Sentence: A group of words that has
a subject
a verb
a complete idea
S V
They like classical music.

3. He likes ice cream she likes popcorn.
Definitions
Comma Splice: Two (or more) sentences with just a comma between them =
S V S V
He likes ice cream, she likes popcorn.
Fused Sentence: Two (or more) sentences with no punctuation between them =
S V S V
He likes ice cream she likes popcorn.

4. General Rule When two sentences are next to each other
there has to be some kind of punctuation between them
but it has to be more than a comma.

5. Corrections
Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, for, or, nor, yet) =
S V S V
He likes ice cream, but she likes popcorn.
Use a semicolon, adverbial conjunction, and a comma =
S V S V
He likes ice cream; however, she likes popcorn.
These two options are useful when the two ideas are closely related to each other; the conjunction shows the relationship. In the examples above, the conjunctions show a contrast between the ideas.

6. Corrections Use a semicolon = S V S V
He likes ice cream; she likes popcorn.
Semicolons are useful when the second idea reflects back on the first idea. It can be a contrast to it, or be an example of it, or extend it, etc.
Use a period and start a new sentence =
S V S V
He likes ice cream. She likes popcorn.
A period indicates that the two ideas are not closely related, though they may be talking about the same issue.

7. Although he likes ice cream, she likes popcorn.
Corrections
Use Subordination =
S V S V
Although he likes ice cream, she likes popcorn.
Adding a subordinating conjunction to one of the sentences makes it less than a sentence. Since there are no longer two sentences next to each other, it is impossible to have a comma splice or a fused sentence.

8. Conclusion Sentences need correct punctuation between them:
Comma + Coordinating Conjunction
Semicolon + adverbial conjunction +
comma
Semicolon
Period (separate sentences)
Subordinating conjunction (complex sentence)
(compound sentences)

9. Practice CS FS FS CS FS FS CS CS FS FS
1. Underline the subjects and verbs in the following sentences.
2. Identify the Comma Splice (CS) and fused Sentence (FS) errors in the following sentences.
3. Fix the error.
Sentence
Error (CS/FS) 1.
I went to the store with my mother, I got lost 2.
The books made no noise when they fell they made a mess. 3.
I am going to play basketball with my friend Sammy he is a good player. 4.
The bus for work is late, I will arrive even later. 5.
Cheating on a test is unwise you could fail the class. 6.
My friend likes to eat out he could eat junk food twice a day. 7.
She is very organized, she has all of her textbooks arranged alphabetically. 8.
I forgot my glasses, I developed a huge headache during class. 9.
David registered late however, he was able to crash the classes he needed.
10.
I am very daring I will try anything once. CS FS FS CS FS FS CS CS FS FS