Comma splices

Which sentence correctly avoids a comma splice?

• I like pizza, it's my favorite food.

• I like pizza. It's my favorite food.

• I like pizza: it's my favorite food.

• I like pizza it is my favorite food.

Answer explanation

A period correctly separates two independent clauses.

Identify the sentence that uses a comma splice.

• She ran to the store; she forgot her wallet.

• She ran to the store, she forgot her wallet.

• Because she ran to the store, she forgot her wallet.

• She ran to the store but forgot her wallet.

Answer explanation

The sentence improperly joins two independent clauses with a comma.

True or False: 'The dog barked loudly, it scared the neighbors.' contains a comma splice.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A comma splice occurs here because two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.

Which word should replace the comma to fix the comma splice: 'The sun set, we turned on the lights.'?

• because

• and

• or

• but

Answer explanation

Using 'and' correctly joins the two independent clauses.

True or False: A comma splice can be fixed by adding a coordinating conjunction.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Adding a coordinating conjunction like 'and' or 'but' can join two independent clauses correctly.

Complete the sentence: 'We were late to the movie, _____ we missed the previews.'

• however

• so

• because

• and

Answer explanation

'So' correctly joins the clauses indicating a cause-effect relationship.

How can you fix the comma splice in this sentence: 'The cake was delicious, everyone wanted more.'?

• Use a semicolon: The cake was delicious; everyone wanted more.

• Replace the comma with 'but': The cake was delicious but everyone wanted more.

• Add 'because': The cake was delicious because everyone wanted more.

• Keep the comma: The cake was delicious, everyone wanted more.

Answer explanation

A semicolon can correctly separate two related independent clauses.

Choose the best way to correct this sentence: 'He loves music, he can't play any instruments.'

• He loves music, however, he can't play any instruments.

• He loves music; however, he can't play any instruments.

• He loves music and he can't play any instruments.

• He loves music he can't play any instruments.

Answer explanation

A semicolon before 'however' correctly separates the independent clauses.

Which sentence correctly fixes the comma splice: 'The weather was nice, we went for a walk.'?

• The weather was nice; we went for a walk.

• The weather was nice, so we went for a walk.

• The weather was nice we went for a walk.

• The weather was nice, and we went for a walk.

Answer explanation

Adding 'so' correctly joins the cause-effect relationship between clauses.

Choose the correct way to fix the comma splice: 'I was tired, I went to bed early.'

• I was tired, therefore I went to bed early.

• I was tired; I went to bed early.

• I was tired and I went to bed early.

• I was tired I went to bed early.

Answer explanation

A semicolon can appropriately join two independent but related clauses.