Comma Splices, Run-Ons, and Fragments Avoid them like the plague!

Comma Splice The use of a comma where a period is needed Rule #4: Two independent clauses (sentences) not joined by a conjunction should not be separated by a comma unless they make up a series. They should be separated by a semicolon or written as two sentences.

4 Ways to Fix a Comma Splice Use a period after the first complete sentence & capitalize the first letter of the first word that follows the period. Put a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) between the clauses. Be sure to use a comma before the conjunction, never after! Use a subordinating conjunction (i.e. after, although, since, when, while, etc.) between the clauses. Use a semicolon between the clauses. Do not capitalize the first letter of the first word that follows the semicolon.

Incorrect & Correct Examples Incorrect: Bill and Ted had an excellent adventure, they traveled through time to meet famous people. Correct: Bill and Ted had an excellent adventure. They traveled through time to meet famous people. Incorrect: W.C. Fields once said, “I am free of all prejudice, I hate everyone equally.” Correct: W.C. Fields once said, “I am free of all prejudice, for I hate everyone equally.” Incorrect: Some think he is crazy, others think he is a genius. Correct: While some think he is crazy, others think he is a genius. Incorrect: The games are fun, however, I dislike the practices. Correct: The games are fun; however, I dislike the practices.

Run-On A fused sentence that does not have any punctuation at all where a period should be used Rule #36: Do not run sentences together without punctuation. Incorrect: We rambled through the woods all day we did not reach home until late. Correct: We rambled through the woods all day. We did not reach home until late.

Fragment Rule #37: Do not write fragments as sentences. Incorrect: We returned home. Hoping to have another picnic soon. Correct: We returned home, hoping to have another picnic soon. Incorrect: They liked all kinds of games. Especially football. Correct: They liked all kinds of games, especially football.

Practice! Identify each sentences as being a comma splice, a run on, or a fragment & fix it, or note if it is grammatically correct. I love soccer, it is the best game ever. Running through the meadow with the wind in my hair. She studied for the test she felt she did well. Also to learn and comprehend more about the English language. Hoping to score well, he reviewed the material extensively.