Comma Splices

Lesson 6: Comma Splices & Sentence Errors||
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Run on sentence: Occurs when one sentence runs on to another. You fail to acknowledge the end of one sentence and the beginning of another. A comma splice occurs when you splice join one sentence to another improperly with a comma.



EXAMPLES:

1. The teacher called on Samantha for a response she ignored him.
This is a run on sentence

2. The teacher called on Samantha for a response, she ignored him.
This is a comma splice because we have two sentences spliced with a comma which is grammatically illegal.


NOTE: There are four ways to fix these major sentence errors. Two of these ways join the sentences properly; the other two separate them legitimately.

1. The teacher called on Samantha for a response. She ignored him.
Use a period to separate the two sentences.

2. The teacher called on Samantha for a response; she ignored him.
Use a semi-colon to separate the two sentences.

3. When the teacher called on Samantha for a response, she ignored him.
Combine the sentences by subordinating one sentence, and adding it to the other. If you subordinate the first sentence, remember to place a comma after it.

4. The teacher called on Samantha for a response, but she ignored him.
Combine the sentences by using a comma and a coordinating conjunction.


There are only 7 coordinating conjunctions to choose from.(for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. "FANBOYS").


ATTENTION: There are many false joiners out there that you may be tempted to use in the example above: however, consequently, therefore, moreover, also, then, besides, thus, and indeed. These words cannot not be used to join sentences. You would have to use a semi-colon to make two sentences. Don't forget to put a comma after these words when they begin a sentence.
EXAMPLE: The teacher called on Samantha for response; however, she ignored him.