UsRevising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences

• Run-on sentences

• Two independent clauses joined without the necessary punctuation or

connective word.

• Grammatically incorrect

• Two kinds: comma splices and fused sentences

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences

• Comma splices

Two independent clauses, joined with just a comma

Charles Dickens created the character of Mr. Micawber, he also created Uriah Heap.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences

• Fuses sentences

Two independent clauses, joined with no punctuation

Charles Dickens created the character of Mr. Micawber he also created Uriah Heap.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• How to revise

• Add a period between the clauses, creating two separate sentences.

• Add a semicolon between the sentences, creating a compound sentence.

• Add an appropriate coordinating conjunction, creating a compound sentence.

• Subordinate one clause to the other, creating a complex sentence.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• Revising periods

Using a comma to punctuate an interrupted quotation that consists of two complete

sentences creates a comma splice. Instead, use a period.

‘This is a good course,’ Eric said, ’in fact, I wish I had taken it sooner.’

‘This is a good course,’ Eric said. ’In fact, I wish I had taken it sooner.’

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• Revising semicolons

You can revise a comma splice or fused sentence by adding a semicolon between two

closely related clauses that convey parallel or contrasting information. The result will be

a single compound sentence.

In pre-World War II western Europe, only a small elite had access to a university

education, this situation changed dramatically during the war.

In pre-World War II western Europe, only a small elite had access to a university

education; this situation changed dramatically during the war.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• Revising semicolons

Chippendale chairs have straight legs, however, Queen Anne chairs have curved legs.

Chippendale chairs have straight legs; however, Queen Anne chairs have curved legs.

NOTE:

When you use a transitional word or phrase (such as however, therefore, or for

example) to connect two independent clauses, the transitional element must be

preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma; if you link the two clauses with

just a comma, you create a comma splice. If you omit punctuation entirely, you create

a fused sentence.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• Revising with coordination conjunctions

You can use a coordination conjunction (and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet) to join two closely

related clauses of equal importance into one compound sentence. The coordination

conjunction you choose indicates the relationship between the clauses: addition (and),

contrast (but, yet), causality (for, so), or or choice of alternatives (or, nor). Be sure to add

a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

Elias Howe invented the sewing machine, Julia Ward Howe was a poet and social

reformer.

Elias Howe invented the sewing machine, and Julia Ward Howe was a poet and social

reformer.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• Revising with subordination conjunctions or relative pronouns

When the ideas of two independent clauses are not of equal importance, you can use a

subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun to join the clauses into one complex

sentence, placing the less important idea in the dependent clause. The subordination

conjunction or relative pronoun you choose establishes the specific relationship

between the clauses.

Stravinsky’s ballet shocked Parisians in 1913, its rhythms seem erotic.

Stravinsky’s ballet shocked Parisians in 1913 because its rhythms seem erotic.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• Revising with subordination conjunctions or relative pronouns

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu had suffered form smallpox herself, she helped spread the

practice of inoculation.

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who had suffered form smallpox herself, helped spread the

practice of inoculation.

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences

• Acceptable comma splices

In a few special cases, comma splices are acceptable. For instance, a comma is

conventionally used in dialogue between a statement and a tag question, even though

each is a separate independent clause.

This is Ron’s house, isn’t it?

I am not late, am I?

Revising Comma Splices and

Fused Sentences• Acceptable comma splices

Commas may be used to connect two short, balanced independent clauses or two or

more short parallel independent clauses, especially when one clause contradicts the

other.

Commencement isn’t the end, it’s the beginning.

Exercise 2: Answers will vary

Exercise 3: Answers will vary