Fixing Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Fixing Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

by Tanya Greenfeld

Multiple Choice

What is a clause?

• a group of words without a subject or a verb

• a group of words with both a subject and a verb

• a group of words that always acts as an independent sentence

• a group of words that is always dependent on an independent sentence

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences contains a comma splice?

• Early in the evening, I like to take a walk as the sun goes down.

• When it is early in the evening, I like to take a walk as the sun goes down.

• It is early in the evening, and I like to take a walk.

• It is early in the evening, it's time to take a walk.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences contains a run-on (fused sentence)?

• The town was deserted all of the residents had been evacuated because the hurricane threatened the coast.

• The town was deserted, all of the residents had been evacuated because the hurricane threatened the coast.

• The town was deserted because all of the residents had been evacuated, and the hurricane threatened the coast.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences contains a comma splice?

• The town was deserted, all of the residents had been evacuated because the hurricane threatened the coast.

• The town was deserted all of the residents had been evacuated because the hurricane threatened the coast.

• The town was deserted because all of the residents had been evacuated, and the rain filled the streets.