Transcript Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences (Sometimes called

Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused
Sentences
(Sometimes called run-ons)
T.C. Norris
Fall 2015
Definitions
• Sentence: A group of words that has
– a subject
– a verb
– a complete idea
S V
They like classical music.
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.
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.
Corrections
1. 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.
2. 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.
Corrections
3. 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.
4. 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.
Corrections
5. 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.
Conclusion
• Sentences need correct punctuation between
them:
1. Comma + Coordinating Conjunction
2. Semicolon + adverbial conjunction +
(compound
sentences)
comma
3. Semicolon
4. Period (separate sentences)
5. Subordinating conjunction (complex sentence)
Practice
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
CS
2. The books made no noise when they fell they made a mess.
FS
3. I am going to play basketball with my friend Sammy he is a good player.
FS
4. The bus for work is late, I will arrive even later.
CS
5. Cheating on a test is unwise you could fail the class.
FS
6. My friend likes to eat out he could eat junk food twice a day.
FS
7. She is very organized, she has all of her textbooks arranged alphabetically.
CS
8. I forgot my glasses, I developed a huge headache during class.
CS
9. David registered late however, he was able to crash the classes he needed.
FS
10. I am very daring I will try anything once.
FS