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This grammar point video will address comma splice and run-on sentences,
which are also called, fused sentences.
What is a comma splice and what is a run-on?
Both sentence errors are also called fused sentences.
The definition of comma splice and run-on sentences is...
The definition of comma splice and run-on sentences is...
“Two independent clauses (which are also called main clauses or complete sentences)...
are connected with ONLY a comma or NO punctuation.”
For an example, the first sentence...
Matthew is driving to North Carolina, he is taking a seminar about mountain flying…
...is a comma splice because two complete sentences are ONLY connected with a comma.
...is a comma splice because two complete sentences are ONLY connected with a comma.
The second sentence...
Matthew is driving to North Carolina he is taking a seminar about mountain flying...
Matthew is driving to North Carolina he is taking a seminar about mountain flying...
...is a run-on sentence because two complete sentences are connected with NO punctuation.
...is a run-on sentence because two complete sentences are connected with NO punctuation.
Students must be able to identify the difference between correct and incorrect sentence structure.
Locating the subject + verb + object pattern is the easiest method to recognizing good sentence structure.
Locating the subject + verb + object pattern is the easiest method to recognizing good sentence structure.
Locating the subject + verb + object pattern is the easiest method to recognizing good sentence structure.
Locating the subject + verb + object pattern is the easiest method to recognizing good sentence structure.
There are five methods to correct fused sentences (comma splices and run-ons).
Method one (1) is to add a period and a capital letter
between the two independent clauses or complete sentences.
For an example,
Matthew is driving to North Carolina (period).
(Capital H) He is taking a seminar about mountain flying.
(Capital H) He is taking a seminar about mountain flying.
(Capital H) He is taking a seminar about mountain flying.
Method two (2) is to add a comma and a coordinating conjunction
(known as fan boys)
between the two independent clauses.
For example,
Matthew is driving to North Carolina (comma), (plus coordinating conjunction) and
he is taking a seminar about mountain flying.
At times, you can use a different coordinating conjunction
At times, you can use a different coordinating conjunction
to slightly change the relationship between the two sentences;
for example, Matthew is taking a seminar about mountain flying (comma),
for example, Matthew is taking a seminar about mountain flying (comma),
for example, Matthew is taking a seminar about mountain flying (comma),
(plus coordinating conjunction) so
he is driving to North Carolina. More common coordinating conjunctions are
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.
Remember to always place a comma before the coordinating conjunction
when connecting two independent sentences.
Method three (3) is to add a subordinating conjunction to one sentence,
creating a dependent clause.
creating a dependent clause.
For example, the first sentence has the dependent clause at the end of the sentence.
Matthew is driving to North Carolina
Matthew is driving to North Carolina
Matthew is driving to North Carolina
BECAUSE he is taking a seminar about mountain flying.
There is NO comma when the dependent clause is at the END of the sentence;
however, if you BEGIN a sentence with a dependent clause,
however, if you BEGIN a sentence with a dependent clause,
For example, the second sentence has the dependent clause at the beginning.
For example, the second sentence has the dependent clause at the beginning.
If you BEGIN a sentence with a dependent clause,
then you must add a comma between the dependent and independent clauses.
More common subordinating conjunctions are
after, although, before, even though,
if, once, since, than,
though, unless, until, when,
whenever, where, whether and while.
There are many other subordinating conjunctions;
you only need to review the list in your textbook or on the Internet.
you only need to review the list in your textbook or on the Internet.
Method four (4) is to add a semi-colon between two independent clauses.
However, when using a semi-colon, to connect two independent clauses,
the sentences must be closely related.
In other words, the sentences should be discussing the same topic or idea.
In other words, the sentences should be discussing the same topic or idea.
For example the sentence,
Matthew is driving to North Carolina; (semi-colon)
Matthew is driving to North Carolina; (semi-colon)
he is taking a seminar about mountain flying,
has two independent clauses or two complete sentences
has two independent clauses or two complete sentences
connected with a semi-colon, and they are closely related.
and they are closely related.
Method five (5) is to add a semi-colon, a conjunctive adverb,
and a comma between two independent clauses.
Conjunctive adverbs are used to describe how one main clause is related to second main clause.
For example, in these sentences the conjunctive adverbs,
as a result,
nevertheless,
and however describe the relationship between the complete sentences.
Also, students should note the punctuation. A semi-colon is used before
and a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs;
you only need to review the list in your textbook or on the Internet for additional words.
you only need to review the list in your textbook or on the Internet for additional words.
Hopefully, understanding the use of conjunctive adverbs, subordinating conjunctions,
semi-colons and coordinating conjunctions will improve your sentence structure and writing.