COMMA SPLICES
COMMA SPLICES The use of comma splices is a common mistake made by many writers. To correct such errors, it is important to first know what a comma splice is, and then how to fix them.
What is a comma splice? A comma splice is the use of a comma to join two independent clauses, where the clauses are not connected by a coordinating conjunction such as "and". For example: ∙It is almost time for dinner, we cannot play ball. and
∙I need to study for my exam, I should not be on Facebook.
How can these sentences be fixed? You have a few options: Replace the comma with a semi-colon: ∙It is almost time for dinner; we cannot play ball. ∙I need to study for my exam; I should not be on Facebook. Split the clauses into two separate sentences: ∙It is almost time for dinner. We cannot play ball. ∙I need to study for my exam. I should not be on Facebook. Add a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so): ∙It is almost time for dinner, so we cannot play ball. ∙I need to study for my exam, so I should not be on Facebook. Some examples to try on your own, using all three solutions: I live on campus, I cannot own a puppy.
The Learning Commons is helpful, the people are nice, too.
______________________________
__________________________________________
______________________________
__________________________________________
______________________________
__________________________________________
What is a comma splice? A comma splice is the use of a comma to join two independent clauses, where the clauses are not connected by a coordinating conjunction such as "and". For example: ∙It is almost time for dinner, we cannot play ball. and
∙I need to study for my exam, I should not be on Facebook.
How can these sentences be fixed? You have a few options: Replace the comma with a semi-colon: ∙It is almost time for dinner; we cannot play ball. ∙I need to study for my exam; I should not be on Facebook. Split the clauses into two separate sentences: ∙It is almost time for dinner. We cannot play ball. ∙I need to study for my exam. I should not be on Facebook. Add a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so): ∙It is almost time for dinner, so we cannot play ball. ∙I need to study for my exam, so I should not be on Facebook. Some examples to try on your own, using all three solutions: I live on campus, I cannot own a puppy.
The Learning Commons is helpful, the people are nice, too.
______________________________
__________________________________________
______________________________
__________________________________________
______________________________
__________________________________________
