Comma Splices and Run-Ons

​Comma Splices are a no-no!

A comma splice error occurs when sentences or independent clauses are improperly connected by a comma alone. Another way to put it is comma splice occurs when only a comma separates two independent sentences.

Examples of Comma Splice Errors:

The clouds were dark, we thought it would rain.

I bought a coat, however, it did not fit.

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​Comma Splices are a no-no!

There are a few ways to fix comma splices:

1. Separate the two sentences by using a period.

2. You can use a comma and a coordinating conjunction(FANBOYS) to join two independent clauses.

3. You can use a semicolon to join two independent clauses.

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Multiple Choice

How can you edit this sentence?

The clouds were dark, we thought it would rain.

• No edit needed

• The clouds were dark, for we thought it would rain.

• The clouds were dark. Thought it would rain.

• The clouds were dark; we thought it would rain.

Multiple Choice

How can you edit this sentence?

I bought a coat, however, it did not fit.

• No edit needed

• I bought a coat; however, it did not fit.

• I boat a coat. However. It did not fit.

• I bought a coat, so it did not fit.

Multiple Choice

How can you edit this sentence?

I went to the mall, Jane was there.

• No edit needed

• I went to the mall; instead, Jane was there.

• I went to the mall. Jane was there.

• I went to the mall, so Jane was there.

Multiple Choice

How can you edit this sentence?

I love going to the movies, it’s so fun.

• No edit needed

• I love going to the movies. Fun.

• I love going to the movies, for it’s so fun.

• I love going to the movies; however, it’s so fun.

​Run-ons have to go!

A run-on sentence, or run-on for short, is a written sequence of two or more main clauses that are not separated by a period or semicolon or joined by a conjunction.

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​Comma Splice

a comma splice incorrectly separates independent clauses with the use of a comma and without a coordinating conjunction. Comma splices result in run-on sentences.

Example of a comma splice:

• Peter collects spiders, they bite him all the time.

Fused sentence

A fused sentence is a run-on sentence that combines two or more independent clauses together without separating them using a conjunction or punctuation.

Example of a fused sentence:

• Peter collects spiders they bite him all the time.

​Types of run-on sentences

Run-on sentences are typically classified into two types: fused sentence and comma splice.

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Multiple Choice

Edit this sentence.

Hand me the pizza it is on the table.

• no edit needed

• Hand me the pizza, it is on the table.

• Hand me the pizza, so it is on the table.

• Hand me the pizza. It is on the table.

Multiple Choice

Edit this sentence.

The store is closed, so we’ll come back tomorrow.

• no edit needed

• The store is closed, we’ll come back tomorrow.

• The store is closed we’ll come back tomorrow.

• The store is closed we’ll come back; tomorrow.

Multiple Choice

Edit this sentence.

My dad got mad at me I broke the washing machine.

• no edit needed

• My dad got mad at me, I broke the washing machine.

• My dad got mad at me because I broke the washing machine.

• My dad got mad. at me, I broke the washing machine.