1. Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences

2. Run-ons and Commas Splices Run-on: an error that occurs when two sentences are joined without punctuation –Example: More and more students are earning GEDs the value of these diplomas are under debate. Comma Splice: an error that occurs when two sentences are joined with just a comma –Example: More and more students are earning GEDs, the value of these diplomas are under debate.

3. Correcting Run-ons and Comma Splices Create two separate sentences. –INCORRECT: Muslims fast during daylight for a period of thirty days (,) this period is called Ramadan. (No comma=run-on; comma=splice) –CORRECT: Muslims fast during daylight for a period of thirty days. This period is called Ramadan.

4. Corrections… Use a coordinating conjunction –INCORRECT: The Emancipation Proclamation freed U.S. slaves in 1863 slaves in Texas were not officially freed until June 19, 1865. –CORRECT: The Emancipation Proclamation freed U.S. slaves in 1863, but slaves in Texas were not officially freed until June 19, 1865.

5. Corrections… Use a Semicolon or a Semicolon and Conjunctive Adverb –INCORRECT: Its is a possessive pronoun, its is a contraction. –CORRECT: Its is a possessive pronoun; however, its is a contraction.

6. Corrections… Use a subordinating conjunction (like when, although, or because) or relative pronoun (like who, which, or that). –INCORRECT: Horace Mann was the first president of Antioch College, he encouraged the development of students social consciences. –CORRECT w/subordinating conjunction: When Horace Mann was the first president of Antioch College, he encouraged the development of students social consciences. –CORRECT w/relative pronoun: Horace Mann, who was the first president of Antioch College, enouraged the development of students social consciences.