Comma splices and fused sentences

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is a fused sentence?

Back

A fused sentence, or run-on sentence, occurs when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or coordinating conjunction.

Front

How can you correct a comma splice?

Back

You can correct a comma splice by adding a coordinating conjunction, changing the comma to a semicolon, or separating the clauses into two sentences.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

What punctuation can be used to separate independent clauses?

Back

A semicolon, a period, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction can be used to separate independent clauses.

Front

What is the role of coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect words, phrases, or independent clauses.

Front

Provide an example of a comma splice.

Back

Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, it was raining outside."

Front

Provide an example of a fused sentence.

Back

Example: "I love to read I don't have much time."

Front

What is the difference between a comma splice and a fused sentence?

Back

A comma splice uses a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction, while a fused sentence has no punctuation or conjunction between the clauses.