Created by April Turner

How to Fix Comma Splices

.

to fix a comma splice

you have to know what a clause is…a clause is a group of words that contains a

subject and a verb

he likes to watch movies

to fix a comma splice You have to know that there are TWO

kinds of clauses:independent clause-a group of words

containing a subject and that has complete meaning; it expresses a complete thought or idea “he likes to watch movies”

dependent (subordinate) clause-does not express complete meaning; begins with words like “which” “whenever” “who” or “whom” etc. “whenever he has friends over”

Independent clause:

a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought

John got a job yesterday He is so happy!

What happens if I run two independent clauses together with nothing between them OR only a comma between them? If you do that, you have created a Run On

or Fused Sentence that might look like this:

run on/fused sentence: Jimmy is the team’s quarterback I am a linebacker.

What is a comma splice? A comma splice is a type of run on

sentence that tries to combine two independent clauses with only a comma. This is a big NO NO in grammar and writing. You will learn how to FIX this error in your writing!!!!

It’s time to leave for school, we better hurry up and get to our bus stop. WRONG!

Comma splice! A No No!!!!!!!

A comma splice tries to join independent clauses with ONLY a comma. His hair looks terrible, his clothes are

wrinkled. (BAD! WRONG! Don’t do it!!!!!!) Question: so, if this is wrong, how do I fix

this problem?

There are three ways to fix a comma splice:

Gotta know these!!!!!7 coordinating conjunctions

For And Nor But Or Yet So

1. insert one of the 7 coordinating conjunctions after the comma

example: I like cake, but my sister likes candy.

Semi-colon

; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

; ; ; ; ;2. insert only a semi-colon in place of

the commaexample: I like cake; my sister likes candy.

conjunctive adverbs?????????

Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs: accordingly, furthermore, moreover, similarly, also,

hence, namely, still, anyway, however, nevertheless, then, besides, incidentally, next, thereafter, certainly, indeed, nonetheless, therefore, consequently, instead, now, thus, finally, likewise, otherwise, undoubtedly, further, meanwhile.

3. insert a semi-colon plus a conjunctive adverb in place of the comma

example: I like cake; however, my sister likes candy.

I am singing; meanwhile, you are practicing your guitar.

When you find the car keys, we will depart; therefore, please keep looking for them!

Question: where are the independent clauses? where are the conjunctive adverbs? where is the clause that does not express a complete meaning? Where is the semi colon? where is the comma?

I have combined the independent clauses correctly. I love to run, _____my brother John loves

to

I think I know the answer to that question;__________, I am afraid to raise my hand.

Let’s try another one.

Sometimes I get a terrible headache, ____I have to lie down for a while in a dark room until it goes away.

Fix this sentence correctly

I have always admired Wonder Woman however I really like Batman the best.

No need to be confused

Fix your comma splices….

1. , coordinating conjunctions

2. ; semicolon alone

3. ; conj adverb,

Fix the sentences with correct puntuation1

use semi colon Bob is very

angry___however, he is trying to not say anything.

USE COMMA AND A COORDINATING CONJUNCTION

He is my best friend, ____ his brother is my worst enemy.