Comma Splices

Comma Splices​

​

​Objectives

​At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

​

• ​Recall fragments and run-ons

• ​Identify comma splices

• ​Correct errors

​What is a comma splice?

• A comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate joining word between them.​

• ​The comma just isn't strong enough to do the job of making one grammatical sentence out of two.

I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.​

​

​This is a comma splice because the comma is between two independent clauses without a FANBOY.

​Corrected: I completed my essay, but I have not submitted it. 

​Can you tell the difference between the errors?

Multiple Choice

There are many planets within our solar system, and millions more beyond it. 

• Run-On

• Comma Splice

• Correct

Multiple Choice

I studied all week for that test, I wasn't surprised I got an A. 

• Run-On

• Comma Splice

• Correct

Multiple Choice

I love helping out animals I volunteer at the shelter every Sunday.

• Run-On

• Comma Splice

• Correct

Multiple Choice

We're not friends anymore, I can't be friends with someone I don't trust.

• Run-On

• Comma Splice

• Correct

​Now that we've identified our errors, let's see how to correct comma splices

​Fixing Comma Splices

• ​Solution 1: Use a period.

• ​Solution 2: Use a semi-colon.

• ​Solution 3: Use a coordinating conjunction.

• ​Solution 4: Use a subordinating conjunction.

​Solution One: Use a Period

​

​

❌​ I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.​

​

✅​ I completed my essay. I have submitted it.

​

​

​Now, you try....

Fill in the Blanks

Correct using a period:

Arnie loves a good movie, he just doesn't love the prices.

​Solution Two: Use a Semi-colon

​

​

​❌​ I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.

​

✅ I have completed my essay; I have not submitted it. ​

​

​

​

​Now, you try...

Fill in the Blanks

Correct using a semi-colon: 

There are four possible routes, I don’t know which is the best.

​Solution Three: Use a coordinating conjunction

​

​

​❌​ I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.​

​

​✅ I completed my essay, but I have not submitted it.

​

​

​

​Now, you try...

Fill in the Blanks

Correct using a coordinating conjunction: 

He wanted to meet the group at the restaurant, he called to find out what time to arrive.

​Solution Four: Use a subordinating conjunction

​

❌​ I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.​

​

​✅ Although I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.

​✅ I completed my essay, although I have not submitted it.

​

​COMMON CONJUNCTIONS

​while, although, because, if, since, unless, whether, when, why, as, before, after, if, whether, that, once

Multiple Choice

Identify the appropriate subordinating conjunction:

There weren't enough copies to go around, we had to share the copies that were available.

• since

• whether

• unless

• although

Multiple Choice

Identify the correct subordinating conjunction:

You finished your work early, you don't have to stay.

• once

• because

• while

• before

Open Ended

Correct using a subordinating conjunction (while, although, because, if, since, unless, whether, when, why, as, before, after, if, whether, that, once):

She didn't want to miss her meeting, she made sure she left early.

​To summarize:

• ​A comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate joining word between them.​

• ​Comma splices can be fixed using any four solutions:

  • ​​Solution 1: Use a period.

  • ​Solution 2: Use a semi-colon.

  • ​Solution 3: Use a coordinating conjunction.

  • ​Solution 4: Use a subordinating conjunction.

• ​Note: Common subordinating conjunctions are, but limited to: while, although, because, if, since, unless, whether, when, why, as, before, after, if, whether, that, once

​Resources:

https://www.uc.utoronto.ca/comma-splices​

https://www.lonestar.edu/departments/learningcenter/sentence_fragments_and_run.pdf​