Avoiding Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences in Writing
Learn how to identify and correct comma splices and run-on sentences in your writing. Understand the differences between them and discover effective punctuation techniques to ensure clear and concise sentences.
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Mini-Lesson #33 From the UWF Writing Lab s 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series
A comma splice occurs when only a comma separates the two complete sentences (independent clauses). A comma splice is not a comma error. A run-on occurs when two complete sentences are fused together without the proper punctuation.
The comma splice and the run-on/fused sentence are two sentence errors. A comma splice results when two independent clauses are joined solely by a comma. Example: I admired Wonder Woman, for a long time she was my hero.
A run-on is not a long sentence. Both the run-on and the comma splice can be two short sentences. A run-on/fused sentence, really two sentences without any punctuation, or conjunction between them, is identical to a comma splice but without the comma. Example: I admired Wonder Woman for a long time she was my hero.
A period or semicolon correctly marks the sentence boundaries. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so) offer alternatives for connecting two sentences. (Use a comma preceding the coordinating conjunction.) Examples: I admired Wonder Woman. For a long time she was my hero. I admired Wonder Woman; For a long time she was my hero. I admired Wonder Woman, and for a long time she was my hero.
Comma Splice Examples: Incorrect: This company has never printed novels, textbooks are its principal publication. Correct: This company has never printed novels; textbooks are its principal publication. Incorrect: Wearing a seat belt is not just a good idea, it s the law. Correct: Wearing a seat belt is not just a good idea; it s the law.
Incorrect: Mrs. Webb listens to everyones opinions, then she makes up her own mind. Correct: Mrs. Webb listens to everyone s opinions; then she makes up her own mind. Incorrect: Difficult puzzles first cause amazement and thought, then they create a mood of frustration and anger. Correct: Difficult puzzles first cause amazement and thought; then they create a mood of frustration and anger.
Run-ons Examples: Incorrect: Psychohistory is a relatively new type of study it combines the insights of psychology with the data of history. Correct: Psychohistory is a relatively new type of study; it combines the insights of psychology with the data of history.
Incorrect: You is a second person pronoun rarely used in the South most Southerners use y all instead. Correct: You is a second person pronoun rarely used in the South; most Southerners use y all instead. Incorrect: Some television shows are no doubt are no doubt worthless however, there are many programs that can truly be called educational. Correct: Some television shows are no doubt are no doubt worthless; however, there are many programs that can truly be called educational.
