 A comma splice, also called a run- on, occurs when a writer has connected two main clauses with a comma alone. EXAMPLE: I love to eat and give thanks, Turkey Day is awesome!

Page 521 Chapter 30

 30f. Use commas to separate items in a series. EXAMPLE: Thanksgiving means family, food, and football.

 30g. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun. EXAMPLE: The golden, crispy, aromatic turkey was delicious.

 30h. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, yet when they join independent clauses, unless the clauses are very short.  EXAMPLE: Thanksgiving turkey is good, but pumpkin pie is the best.

 Rule 30K(3): Parenthetical expressions (conjunctive adverbs or transitional expressions) should be offset by commas in a sentence.  EXAMPLE: The side dishes were plentiful, therefore, diverse.

 31a. Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by and, but, or, nor, for, yet. EXAMPLE: Stuffing is savory; cranberry sauce is sweet.

 31b. Use a semicolon between closely related (content) independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression (however/for example). EXAMPLE: The pilgrims were strangers; however, the Native Americans welcomed them.

 31c. A semicolon (rather than a comma) may be needed to separate independent clauses if there are commas or a comma series within each clause. EXAMPLE: Root vegetables are carrots, parsnips, and turnips; and pumpkins, squash, and zucchini are gourds.

 31d. Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. EXAMPLE: Turkey, the entree; potatoes, the side dish; apple cider, the beverage; and pumpkin pie, the dessert, comprise the holiday meal.

 Which pairs can/should be connected with a semi-colon?  a) I hate rice pudding _____ dairy products don't agree with me.  b) Spain is lovely _____ hot weather and friendly people.  c) Spain _____ lovely beaches, endless blue sea and great weather.  d) Spain is a lovely country _____ the beaches are endless and the weather is always good.

 Which pairs can/should be connected with a semi-colon?  a)Paris is a beautiful city ______ wide streets and sunshine.  b)Havana is a lovely city ______ rice pudding is one of my favorite foods.  c)I would love to go to France ______ Paris is a lovely city.  d)I would love to go to Greece ______ I love ancient history.

 Which pairs can/should be connected with a semi-colon?  a)Gran hates going to bed early ______ there is too much on the TV.  b)Gran hates doing DIY ______ too much like hard work.  c)Gran hates going to bed early ______ the wallpaper in her house is peeling.  d)Gran hates doing DIY ______ the wallpaper in her house is peeling.

 4. Which pairs can/should be connected with a semi-colon?  a)Understanding grammar is very important ______ despite its complexity.  b)Understanding grammar is very important ______ clear communication is an essential skill.  c)Understanding grammar is very important  ______ most high level jobs require good writing skills.  d)Understanding grammar is very important ______ although it is not always the most fascinating subject on the planet.

 5. Which pairs can/should be connected with a semi-colon?  a)The stock exchange fell sharply _______ investor confidence is very low.  b)The stock exchange fell sharply _______ many investors decided to sell their shares.  c)The stock exchange fell sharply _______ a difficult day for everybody.  d)The stock exchange fell sharply _______ I would wait before selling your shares.