Run-ons and Comma SplicesHow to become a better writer by using punctuation properly.

Run-on Sentences

Multiples sentences that are written together without punctuation (Period or Semi-colon) or conjunctions (FANBOYS). THIS IS BAD!

Example:The snow needs to be shovelled get going on it right away.Traffic jams in major cities have gotten out of control car pools should be mandatory.

Comma splice

Two independent clauses are joined together with a comma, but there is no conjunction (FANBOYS). THIS IS BAD!

Example:The snow needs to be shovelled, get going on it right away.Traffic jams in major cities have gotten out of control, car pools should be mandatory.

Four Ways to Fix Run-ons and Comma Splices

A. Use the Semi-colon

B. Use a comma and a conjunction (Compound Sentence)

C. Use a period to separate the two independent clauses

D. Write a Complex Sentence with a subordinating word.

Examples

A. The snow needs to be shovelled; get going on it right away.

B. The snow needs to be shovelled, so get going on it right away.

C. The snow needs to be shovelled. Get going on it right away.

D. Since the snow needs to be shovelled, get going on it right away.

A. Semi-colon

Rewrite each run-on or comma splice with a semi-colon.

The restaurant looks tacky to me all the tablecloths are made of plastic.We’ve spent all our money, we won’t be dining out tonight.The woman’s skills are perfect for the new position we intend to promote her.

B. Compound Sentence

Rewrite each run-on or comma splice into a Compound Sentence.

The team lost seven games in a row the coach was fired.Here is the chief administrator, he will solve our problems.He phoned his fiancee repeatedly, she refused to return his calls.

C. Use a Period

Rewrite each run-on or comma splice into two independent clauses with a period.

I have good ideas I can’t put them into a sentence.The elephant quit the circus he was tired of working for peanuts.The kings of ancient Egypt were known as pharaohs, they were believed to be favored by gods.

D. Write a Complex Sentence

Rewrite each run-on or comma splice into a Complex Sentence with a subordinating word.

A sphinx is a monster it has a human head and a lion’s body.I want to go on a Nile cruise, I need more money.We could not speak Arabic we needed a translator.

Independent PracticeRewrite the following sentences four different ways:

Example:

Janet left for work early she arrived late.A. Janet left for work early; she arrived late.B. Janet left for work early, yet she arrived late.C. Janet left for work early. She arrived late.D. Even though Janet left for work early, she arrived late.

Grammar Book p. 343 Exercise 33