Comma splices, Run-ons, & Fragments

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Front

How can you correct a comma splice?

Back

You can correct a comma splice by adding a coordinating conjunction, changing the comma to a semicolon, or making one of the clauses dependent.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.

Front

How can you fix a run-on sentence?

Back

You can fix a run-on sentence by separating the clauses with a period, using a semicolon, or adding a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is a sentence fragment?

Back

A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought and is not a complete sentence.

Front

How can you identify a sentence fragment?

Back

You can identify a sentence fragment by checking if it has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is the purpose of coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses and include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.

Front

What is the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause.

Front

What punctuation can be used to separate independent clauses?

Back

Independent clauses can be separated by a period, a semicolon, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is an example of a corrected comma splice?

Back

Original: 'The campfire was hot, Greg cooked marshmallows.' Corrected: 'The campfire was hot, and Greg cooked marshmallows.'