Fused Sentences and Comma Splices

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Front

What is a fused sentence?

Back

A fused sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or conjunction.

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice is a grammatical error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined by just a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Front

How can you correct a fused sentence?

Back

You can correct a fused sentence by adding a period, semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction between the independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

Front

Example of a correct sentence using a coordinating conjunction.

Back

I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had the time.

Front

Identify the error: 'Movies entertain millions of people every day the cinema is popular all over the world.'

Back

This is a fused sentence. It should be corrected to: 'Movies entertain millions of people every day; the cinema is popular all over the world.'

Front

What punctuation can be used to separate independent clauses?

Back

You can use a period, semicolon, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is the purpose of a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or'.

Front

Correct the sentence: 'Sally is captain of the soccer team she helped organize the tournament.'

Back

Sally is captain of the soccer team. She helped organize the tournament.