Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences (Sometimes called run-ons) T.C. Norris Fall 2015
Definitions Sentence: A group of words that has – a subject – a verb – a complete idea S V They like classical music.
Definitions Comma Splice: Two (or more) sentences with just a comma between them = S V S V He likes ice cream, she likes popcorn. Fused Sentence: Two (or more) sentences with no punctuation between them = S V S V He likes ice cream she likes popcorn.
General Rule When two sentences are next to each other – there has to be some kind of punctuation between them – but it has to be more than a comma.
Corrections 1.Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, for, or, nor, yet) = S V S V He likes ice cream, but she likes popcorn. 2.Use a semicolon, adverbial conjunction, and a comma = S V S V He likes ice cream; however, she likes popcorn. These two options are useful when the two ideas are closely related to each other; the conjunction shows the relationship. In the examples above, the conjunctions show a contrast between the ideas.
Corrections 3.Use a semicolon = S V S V He likes ice cream; she likes popcorn. Semicolons are useful when the second idea reflects back on the first idea. It can be a contrast to it, or be an example of it, or extend it, etc. 4.Use a period and start a new sentence = S V S V He likes ice cream. She likes popcorn. A period indicates that the two ideas are not closely related, though they may be talking about the same issue.
Corrections 5.Use Subordination = S V S V Although he likes ice cream, she likes popcorn. Adding a subordinating conjunction to one of the sentences makes it less than a sentence. Since there are no longer two sentences next to each other, it is impossible to have a comma splice or a fused sentence.
Conclusion Sentences need correct punctuation between them: 1.Comma + Coordinating Conjunction 2.Semicolon + adverbial conjunction + comma 3.Semicolon 4.Period (separate sentences) 5.Subordinating conjunction (complex sentence) (compound sentences)