Comma Splices

Comma Splices

Mrs. Donnald

​Key Terms

Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be dependent or independent.

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Independent Clause: A clause that could stand on its own as a complete sentence.

Multiple Choice

True or False: an independent clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence.

• True

• False

​Key Terms

​​Subordinating Conjunction: A word that makes a clause dependent, such as because, although, or when.

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Dependent Clause: A clause that could NOT stand on its own because it starts with a subordinating conjunction.

Multiple Choice

Why can a dependent clause NOT stand on its own?

• It starts with a noun

• It does not contain a verb

• It is missing a period

• It starts with a subordinating conjunction

​Key Terms

​Run-On: When two or more independent clauses are joined incorrectly, creating a grammatical error.

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​Comma Splice: A specific type of run-on where two independent clauses are joined with ONLY a comma.

Multiple Choice

What is a comma splice?

• When two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation

• When two dependent clauses are joined with only a comma

• When two independent clauses are joined with only a comma

• When a comma is used in the middle of a long sentence

Comma Splice Example

Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials.

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​Independent Clause 1: Koala bears are not actually bears.

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​Independent Clause 2: They are marsupials.

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​These clauses cannot be joined with just a comma.

​How to fix a comma splice?

​Koala bears are not actually bears. They are marsupials.

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Fix #1: Change the comma to a period.

​Koala bears are not actually bears. They are marsupials.

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​Fix #2: Change the comma to a semicolon.

​Koala bears are not actually bears; they are marsupials.

​How to fix a comma splice?

​Koala bears are not actually bears. They are marsupials.

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Fix #3: Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma.

​Koala bears are not actually bears, but they are marsupials.

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​Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS

​For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Multiple Choice

How do you fix a comma splice?

• Remove the comma.

• Remove the comma OR add a coordinating conjunction after the comma.

• Change the comma to a period or semicolon OR add a coordinating conjunction after the comma.

• Change the comma to a period or semicolon OR add a preposition after the comma.

Look at the next 3 sentences and identify whether they are comma splices or correct.

Multiple Choice

One of the most interesting plants is the cactus, for it is able to live without water for years.

• Comma Splice

• Correct

Multiple Choice

John is always late for school, nobody seems to care.

• Comma Splice

• Correct

Multiple Choice

Driving the car is fast and comfortable, riding the bicycle is better for one's health.

• Comma Splice

• Correct

Now, look at the next 3 comma splices and identify how to fix them.

Multiple Choice

Jarod had an interview with a television company, I might get a job as his assistant.

• Jarod had an interview with a television company, I might get a job as his assistant.

• Jarod had an interview with a television company I might get a job as his assistant.

• Jarod had an interview with a television company, so I might get a job as his assistant.

• Jarod had an interview with a television company and might get a job as his assistant.

Multiple Choice

The trail was steep and very rocky, nevertheless, every one of the hikers reached the top.

• The trail was steep and very rocky nevertheless, every one of the hikers reached the top.

• The trail was steep and very rocky. Nevertheless, every one of the hikers reached the top.

• The trail was steep and very rocky, nevertheless every one of the hikers reached the top.

• The trail was steep and very rocky but one of the hikers reached the top.

Multiple Choice

The collar on this shirt is small, this shirt will not fit a person with a large neck.

• The collar on this shirt is small this shirt will not fit a person with a large neck.

• The collar on this shirt is small I don't think this shirt will fit a person with a large neck.

• The collar on this shirt is small, will this shirt fit a person with a large neck?

• The collar on this shirt is small; this shirt will not fit a person with a large neck.

Poll

POLL: How do you feel about your ability to identify and fix comma splices?

• Very Confident

• OK

• Not At All Confident