Comma Splice

Comma Splice

by Sissi Valdez

Open Ended

Is there anything peculiar with the previous statement? What is it?

Open Ended

Does the previous statement make sense? What is the message it is bringing across?

​Commas!

​Comma Splice ;-)

​What are commas and what they are used for?

​Commas are used to insert a pause into a sentence. The purpose of the pause can be for different reasons, such as to separate ideas, phrases, or even alter the structure of a sentence.

​Commas have a few different uses. 

​1.      Commas are used for a direct address, such as:

 

• Joe, it was nice to see you again.

 

2.      They’re also used to separate two complete sentences:

 

• He went to the library, and then he went out for lunch.

Multiple Choice

"Be safe babe." What is the corrected version of the sentences above? 

• Be, safe babe. 

• Babe, be safe.

• Be safe, babe. 

• Be safe babe,

Multiple Choice

"We planned to do the homework but Lucy decided to eat lunch." What is the correct formatting of the sentence above?

• We planned to d the homework but Madga decided to eat lunch.

• We planned to do the homework but, Lucy decided to eat lunch.

• We planned to, do the homework but Lucy decided to eat lunch.

• We planned to do the homework, but Lucy decided to eat lunch.

​Comma Splice

A comma splice is when you join two independent clauses with a comma instead of a conjunction. For example:

 

• It’s almost time for dinner, I’m not hungry.

• Instead of using a comma, the sentence should read:

• It’s almost time for dinner and I’m not hungry.​

​Fix a comma splice

Fix #1: Add a Conjunction

One way to fix a comma splice is to add a conjunction immediately after the comma.

​

With most comma splices, the conjunction you’ll want to add is probably and, but, or so.

​

I am not angry with you, but I am not happy with you, either.​

​

​Fix #2: Change the Comma to a Semicolon

If adding a conjunction doesn’t seem to work, you can change the comma to a semicolon instead. Unlike commas, semicolons are strong enough to glue two independent clauses together.

​

​I am not angry with you; I am not happy with you, either.

​ NOTE

If you decide to use a semicolon, make sure there is a close, logical connection between the two independent clauses.​

​

​Fix #3: Make Separate Sentences

If adding a conjunction doesn’t seem to work and using a semicolon feels too stuffy, you can fix a comma splice by simply making each independent clause a separate sentence.

I am not angry with you. I am not happy with you, either.

Open Ended

Edit the following sentences: "Oil which is lighter than water rises to the surface."

Multiple Choice

The closet contained worn clothes old shoes and dirty hats.

• The closet contained worn, clothes, old, shoes and dirty hats.

• The closet contained worn clothes, old, shoes and dirty hats.

• The closet contained worn clothes old, shoes and dirty hats.

• The closet contained worn clothes, old shoes and dirty hats.