1. Avoiding Run-on Sentences, Comma Splices;
Getting Your Punctuation Right!

2. What Does a Comma Signal?
A comma signals a pause. (It tells the reader to slow down briefly, but then keep going until the idea is completed.)
Because I like grammar , I like this class.

3. What Do Periods & Semicolons Signal?
Semicolons and periods signal a full stop. Idea is complete.
I love grammar . I love this class.
I love grammar ; I love this class.
STOP!

4. What Is a Run-on Sentence?
A run-on is a sentence error caused by running one sentence into another, without putting any punctuation in between.
We all like grammar we all love this class.
Run-on

5. What Is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice is a sentence error caused by putting just a poor, weak comma between two complete sentences.
We all like grammar , we all love this class. ,
sentence
sentence

6. How Can I Correct Comma Splices and Run-ons? The FIRST way is to…
Separate them with a period, creating two complete sentences.
We all like grammar .
STOP
We all love this class.

7. Now you try! Use a period to correct these run-ons and comma splices.
These punctuation rules aren’t hard I know how to avoid run-ons.
These punctuation rules aren’t hard. I know how to avoid run-ons.
My new supervisor has been making all sorts of changes, she is really causing problems.
My new supervisor has been making all sorts of changes. She is really causing problems.
Correct!
Correct!

8. How Can I Correct Comma Splices and Run-ons? The SECOND way is to…
Link them with a semicolon; this creates two complete sentences just as a period does, but the second sentence doesn’t start with a capital letter.
We like grammar ;
STOP!
we love this class.
No caps!

9. How Can I Correct Comma Splices and Run-ons? The THIRD way is to…
Join the two sentences with a comma and one of the FANBOYS. (FOR, AND, NOR, BUT, OR, YET, SO)
We all like grammar , and we all love this class.

10. Now you try! Use one of the FANBOYS to correct this run-on sentence.
I want a promotion I want more vacation days.
I want a promotion, and I want more vacation days.
Correct!

11. How Can I Correct Comma Splices and Run-ons? The FOURTH way is to…
End the first sentence with a semicolon and begin the second with a conjunctive adverb or transitional.
We like grammar ;
STOP
therefore, we love this class.

12. I’m not going to give up, however, I do sometimes get discouraged.
Now you try! Use a semicolon and a transitional word like therefore or however to correct this comma splice.
I’m not going to give up, however, I do sometimes get discouraged.
I’m not going to give up; however, I do sometimes get discouraged.
Correct!

13. How Can I Correct Comma Splices and Run-ons? The LAST way is to…
Join the two separate sentences into one, with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
We all like grammar, we all love this class.
Because we all like grammar, we all love this class.
All students who like grammar love this class.
comma splice
dependent clause
OK!
dependent clause

14. These are the subordinate conjunctions.
after
although as
because
before
even though
if, even if
in order that
once
provided that
since
so that
than
that
though
unless
when, whenever
where, wherever, whereas
whether
while

15. Which is correct?
I understand run-ons, however, I’m still having trouble with comma splices.
I understand run-ons; however, I’m still having trouble with comma splices.

16. Which is correct?
I’m really good with punctuation because I have been practicing so much.
I’m really good with punctuation I have been practicing so much.

17. Which is correct?
I’ve been given a number of new duties, for example, I now have to do all the filing.
I’ve been given a number of new duties; for example, I now have to do all the filing.

18. Which is correct?
This grammar practice is useful; although, I sometimes wish we didn’t have to do so much of it.
This grammar practice is useful although I sometimes wish we didn’t have to do so much of it.

19. Correct the following run-ons or comma splices
Some people are friendly I like to talk to them.
Wearing uniforms is a good idea, it’s easier to get dressed in the morning.
Math is a hard subject you have to study every day.
She went to the mall, she went to the birthday party.
Kevin and his friend went for a walk it was a beautiful day.
Tom delivered newspapers in the rain he got very wet.
On Monday we went outside for a short break, it was fun
The kids had a snack they ate too much.
The show begins at 7:30 make sure you're there before 7:15.

20. Another way to fix RO’s and CS’s ... Subordinating Conjunctions!
A subordinating conjunction is another kind of joining word. Words like because, since, if, when, even though.
I have a back problem I usually go to a chiropractor.
I went to bed late I woke up early.
Tanya got an excellent grade on her test, She studied really hard.
I drive too fast on the freeway I will get a ticket or maybe have an accident.
Maria and John like skiing Karen does not.
Ali did not agree with the method he was taught, he found other means to solve the problem.

21. Another Activity
Americans use more energy per person than any other people in the world we have only 6 percent of the world’s population, however, we use about one-third of all the energy consumed on this globe. Our total national energy cost in 1975 amounted to about $170 billion, each year our energy needs are steadily rising most of the energy we use in the U.S. comes from crude oil because domestic production falls short of our needs, we have to import almost half of it. Expert estimates of our known and potential domestic reserves differ, we probably have somewhere between a 25- to 30-year supply of oil. If we continue using energy as we have become accustomed to, we could run out of domestic oil supplies in the year 2007, we may run out of natural gas even sooner. Energy demands and prices keep going up, therefore, the availability and future costs of supplies remain uncertain.

22. No more comma splices, or run-on sentences ever again!
You’ve got it!
No more comma splices, or run-on sentences ever again!
The
END!