Comma Splice

​What is a Comma Splice

​When writing, people might avoid run-on sentences by joining together

two independent clauses using a comma. This is called a comma splice -

but it is incorrect.

​

​The independent clauses can theoretically be stand alone sentences, or if

the writer chooses to join them together, they should use a conjunction or a semi-colon.

​Correcting a Comma Splice

There are three ways that you can avoid or correct a comma splice:

​

1. Join the independent clauses using a conjunction.

2. Replace the comma with a semi-colon.

3. Replace the comma with a full stop.

​Example

​

• The revision session was incredibly helpful, it touched on everything that might come up in the exam.

The sentence is made up of two independent clauses therefore should not be separated with a comma.

You could use the conjunction because to join the clauses or change the comma into a semi-colon/ full stop.​

​Exercise

Choosing any of the three options mentioned above, correct the comma splices in the sentences below:

Multiple Choice

Lama is always late for work, nobody seems to care.

• Although Lama is always late for work and nobody seems to care.

• Because Lama is always late for work nobody seems to care.

• Although Lama is always late for work, nobody seems to care.

Multiple Choice

Hot summer weather is nice, it can be dangerous for various groups of people when certain temperatures get too high.

• Hot summer weather is nice, when temperatures get to high it can be dangerous for various groups of people.

• Hot summer weather, which is can contain high temperatures that can be dangerous for various groups of people.

• Hot summer weather is nice, but high temperatures can be dangerous for various groups of people.

Multiple Choice

Rahaf broke her ankle on the weekend, she is in a great deal of pain.

• Rahaf is in a great deal of pain, she broke her ankle on the weekend.

• Rahaf broke her ankle on the weekend, and now she is in a great deal of pain.

• Rahaf broke her ankle on the weekend, now she is in a great deal of pain.

Multiple Choice

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

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

• Driving a car is fast and comfortable riding a bicycle is better for one's health.

• Although driving a car is fast and comfortable riding a bike is better for one's health.

Multiple Choice

Most students attend a learning skills class, then their grades and skills improve.

• Most students who attend a learning skills class, improve their grades.

• The grades and skills of most students improve after they attend a learning skills class.

• Because most students attend a learning skills class their grades and skills improve.

Multiple Choice

Jihad has an interview with a television company, I might become his assistant.

• Jihad has an interview with a television company I might become his assistant.

• After Jihad has an interview with a television company, he might hire me as his assistant.

• Jihad who has an interview with a television company.

Multiple Choice

I entered my friend's house, I realized that he had made a lot of home improvements.

• After I entered my friend's house and realized that he had made a lot of home improvements.

• Entering my friend's house I realized that he had made a lot of home improvements.

• As soon as I entered my friend's house, I realized that he had made a lot of home improvements.

Multiple Choice

I can't meet my new boss this week, I have too many other appointments.

• I can't meet my new boss this week because I have too many other appointments.

• Since I am too busy this week I can't meet my new boss.

• I, who am too, busy this week can't meet my new boss.

Multiple Choice

Yesterday I bought a new backpack, I could afford it because it was on sale.

• Yesterday, I was able to afford a new backpack since it was on sale.

• Yesterday, I bought a new backpack it was on sale.

• Since it was on sale I bought a new backpack yesterday.

Multiple Choice

The air conditioner is too loud, Sara can't sleep.

• Because of the loud air conditioner, Sara can't sleep.

• The air conditioner is too loud, therefore, Sara can't sleep.

• The air conditioner is too loud, Sara can't sleep.

Multiple Choice

Jamal is always late for work, nobody seems to care.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Hot summer weather is nice, high temperatures are dangerous for certain people.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Rahaf broke her ankle on the weekend; she is in a great deal of pain.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

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

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

When a student likes his class, he is more likely to achieve good grades.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Jamal had an interview with a television company: I might get a job as his assistant.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

After I was paid last week, and I was able to do the grocery shopping.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Due to the fact that I am busy this week, I don't have time for sports.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Whenever Ra does not sleep enough, so she gets a horrible migraine.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT