C OMMA S PLICES How to Avoid a Common Mistake in Writing

C OMMA S PLICES A comma splice is a type of run-on whereby two independent clauses—or complete sentences—are incorrectly joined by a comma.. Example Today I am tired, I will take a nap later. Grammatical Error: This comma splice has two independent clauses or complete sentences joined incorrectly by only a comma. Reasoning : The first part of the sentence ("Today I am tired") is an independent clause or complete sentence, and the second phrase ("I will take a nap later") is also an independent clause or complete sentence. The two sentences need to be joined by more than just a comma. There are three ways to correct a comma splice, and they are similar to the three ways of correcting a run-on.. Corrected Example Replace the comma with a period and make two different sentences. Today I am tired. I will take a nap later. Join the two sentences correctly by adding a coordinate conjunction after the comma. Today I am tired, so I will take a nap later. Join the two separate sentences correctly by inserting a semi colon (;). Today I am tired; I will take a nap later. Subordinate one clause (make one clause dependent and one independent). Since I am tired today, I will take a nap later. Grammar Tip If you begin a sentence with a dependent clause, you must place a comma between the dependent and independent clause. The opposite is not true

C OMMA S PLICES In the back of his mind he thought it would be a novel idea to go since it had been two years since he had any sort of vacation, but every time he checked his bank account, reality sunk in and he realized it would not be a very smart move. As she was pulling up to the gate shack a kid in his early twenties came out and towards her van.

C OMMA S PLICES John is always late for work, nobody seems to care. a.) Although John is always late for work and nobody seems to care. b.) Because John is always late for work nobody seems to care. c.) Although John is always late for work, nobody seems to care.

C OMMA S PLICES Hot summer weather is nice, high temperatures are dangerous for certain people. a.) Hot summer weather is nice, when temperatures get to high it can be dangerous for various groups of people. b.) Hot summer weather, which is can contain high temperatures that can be dangerous for various groups of people. c.) Hot summer weather is nice, but high temperatures can be dangerous for various groups of people.

C OMMA S PLICES Emily broke her ankle this weekend; now she is in a great deal of pain.

C OMMA S PLICES Driving the car is fast and comfortable, riding the bicycle is better for one's health. a.) Driving a car is fast and comfortable, but riding a bicycle is better for one's health. b.) Driving a car is fast and comfortable riding a bicycle is better for one's health. c.) Although driving a car is fast and comfortable riding a bike is better for one's health.

C OMMA S PLICES When a student likes his class, he is more likely to achieve good grades.

C OMMA S PLICES Jarod had an interview with a television company, I might get a job as his assistant. a.) Jarod has an interview with a television company I might become his assistant. b.) After Jarod has an interview with a television company, he might hire me as his assistant. c.) Jarod who has an interview with a television company.

C OMMA S PLICES After I was paid last week, I was able to do the grocery shopping.

C OMMA S PLICES Due to the fact that I am busy this week, I don't have time for sports.

C OMMA S PLICES Whenever Janis does not sleep enough, she gets a horrible migraine.

C OMMA S PLICES The air conditioner is too loud, Cleo can't sleep. a.) Because of the loud air conditioner, Cleo can't sleep. b.) The air conditioner is too loud, therefore Cleo can't sleep. c.) The air conditioner is too loud, Cleo can't sleep.