Comma Splices & Complete Sentences

Comma Splices & Complete Sentences

ENG 511

​Ms. Snider

​What is a comma splice?

Comma splice: when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are incorrectly joined or "spliced" with a comma

​

Remember, each clause must have a subject and a verb; each clause must express a complete thought.

Multiple Choice

Is this a complete thought?:

The desk is next to the table.

• Yes

• No

​YES! This is a complete thought.

​The desk is next to the table.

​

​Subject/noun

​Predicate/verb

Multiple Choice

Is this a complete thought?:

Which is a theme of the story.

• Yes

• No

​NO! This is not a complete thought

​Which is a theme of the story.

​

​Predicate/verb

​

​Where is the subject/noun?

Multiple Choice

Is this a complete thought?:

The boy, who was always late.

• Yes

• No

​NO! This is not a complete thought.

​The boy, who is always late.

​

​Subject/noun

​

​Where is the predicate/verb?

​Example of a comma splice.

​Richard wanted to go to the football game, Shana wanted to watch basketball.

​

​Subject/noun

​Predicate/verb

​

​*Because both sides of the comma are complete thoughts, they CANNOT be joined by a comma.

​Example of a comma splice.

​Sabrina had a little dragon, its scales were as sharp as razors.

​

Subject/noun

​Predicate/verb

​

​*Because both sides of the comma are complete thoughts, they CANNOT be joined by a comma.

Multiple Choice

Is this comma used correctly?:

Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this comma used correctly?:

The book was her favorite, she told everyone about it.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this comma used correctly?:

Jordan went to Texas, and he saw the Cowboys play.

• Yes

• No

How do I fix comma splices?​

There are 5 strategies.​

​1. Divide the two independent clauses into two separate sentences.

INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

​

​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge. She is afraid of heights.

​​2. Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses.

​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

​

​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge; she is afraid of heights.

​3. ​Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, so, but, for, yet, or, nor—use the acronym “fanboys” to remember them) to join two equally important ideas presented in two clauses.

​​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

​

​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge, and she is afraid of heights.

​4. ​Use a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb to join related independent clauses.

​Frequently used conjunctive adjectives:

​however then as a consequence in addition

therefore nonetheless as a result besides

moreover indeed for example in conclusion

furthermore in fact hence in other words

​

​​​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

​

​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge; furthermore, she is afraid of heights.

​5. ​Use a subordinating conjunction to create a dependent clause.

Frequently used subordinating conjunctions:

after ever since that where

although how though whereas

as if unless wherever

as if in order that until whether ​

​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

​

​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge since she is afraid of heights.

Open Ended

Fix this sentence to avoid a comma splice:

The lamp would not turn on, the lightbulb needed to be replaced.

Open Ended

Fix this sentence to avoid a comma splice:

I went through with the surgery, I was very glad I’d had it.

Open Ended

Fix this sentence to avoid a comma splice:

After I went to the park, I was tired, I took a nap.