Comma Splice

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

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

Front

Identify an example of a comma splice.

Back

An example of a comma splice is: 'I went to the store, I bought some milk.'

Front

How can you correct a comma splice?

Back

You can correct a comma splice by using a period to separate the clauses, adding a coordinating conjunction, or using a semicolon.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Common examples include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet'.

Front

Provide an example of a correct sentence that avoids a comma splice.

Back

A correct sentence is: 'I went to the store, and I bought some milk.'

Front

What is the difference between a comma splice and a run-on sentence?

Back

A comma splice specifically refers to the incorrect use of a comma to join two independent clauses, while a run-on sentence refers to any sentence that improperly connects independent clauses, which may include comma splices.

Front

What punctuation can be used to connect two independent clauses correctly?

Back

A semicolon can be used to connect two independent clauses correctly, as in: 'I went to the store; I bought some milk.'

Front

What is the effect of using a comma splice in writing?

Back

Using a comma splice can make writing unclear and confusing, as it improperly joins two complete thoughts.

Front

How does the sentence 'Because they are high in Vitamin A, both apricots and broccoli are nutritionally valuable foods' illustrate correct punctuation?

Back

This sentence is correct because it uses a dependent clause ('Because they are high in Vitamin A') followed by an independent clause, which is a proper structure.