Avoiding Run-on Sentences and
Comma Splices
What does a comma signal?
o A comma signals a pause. (It tells the
reader to slow down briefly but then keep
going until the thought is completed.)
o I like grammar , and I like this class.
o Because I like grammar , I like this
class.
What do periods and semicolons
signal?
o Semicolons and periods signal a full stop. The
idea is complete.
o I love grammar .
I love this class.
o I love grammar ; I love this class.
What is a run-on sentence?
o A run-on is a sentence error caused by
running one sentence into another without
putting any punctuation in between.
o We all like grammar we all love this class.
Run-on
What is a comma splice?
o
,
A comma splice is a sentence error caused by
putting just a poor, weak comma between two
complete sentences.
o We all like grammar , we all love this
class.
The first way to correct comma
splices and run-ons is to…
o separate them with a period, creating two
complete sentences.
STOP
We all like grammar.
We all love this
class.
Now you try! Use a period to correct
these run-ons and comma splices.
o These punctuation rules aren’t hard I know
how to avoid run-ons.
o These punctuation rules aren’t hard. I know
how to avoid run-ons.
Correct!
o My new supervisor has been making all sorts of
changes, she is really causing problems.
o My new supervisor has been making all sorts of
changes. She is really causing problems.
Correct!
The second way to correct comma
splices and run-ons is to…
o Link them with a semicolon; this creates two
complete sentences just as a period does,
but the second sentence doesn’t start with a
capital letter.
STOP
We like grammar ;
we love this
class.
No caps!
Now you try! Use a semicolon to correct
these run-ons and comma splices.
o I know what I have to do to succeed in school I
just have to find the time to do it.
o I know what I have to do to succeed in school;
I just have to find the time to do it.
Correct!
o Doing the work is easy, it’s finding the time
that is so hard.
o Doing the work is easy; it’s finding the time
that is so hard.
Correct!
The third way to correct comma
splices and run-ons is to…
o end the first clause with a semicolon and
begin the second with a conjunctive adverb
or transitional.
We like grammar ;
STOP
therefore, we love
this class.
Now you try! Use a semicolon and a transitional
word like therefore or however to correct these
run-ons and comma splices.
o I’ve studied my grammar book carefully I
won’t have any problems on this quiz.
o I’ve studied my grammar book carefully;
therefore, I won’t have trouble on this
quiz.
Correct!
o I’m not going to give up, however, I do
sometimes get discouraged.
o I’m not going to give up; however, I do
sometimes get discouraged.
Correct!
The fourth way to correct comma
splices and run-ons is to…
o join the two sentences with a comma and one
of the FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet,
so).
o We all like grammar , and we all love
this class.
Now you try! Use one of the FANBOYS to
correct these run-ons and comma splices.
o I want a raise I want more vacation days.
o I want a raise, and I want more vacation days.
Correct!
o I want a raise, I don’t want any more
responsibilities.
o I want a raise, but I don’t want any more
responsibilities.
Correct!
The last way to correct comma
splices and run-ons is to…
o join the two separate sentences into one with a
subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
o We all like grammar, we all love this class.
dependent clause
comma
splice
Because we all like grammar, we all love this
class.
dependent clause
OK!
o All students who like grammar love this
class.
Now you try! Use a subordinating conjunction like
although or a relative pronoun like which to
correct these run-ons and comma splices.
o We are going to give it a try we don’t know if it
will work.
o We are going to give it a try although we
don’t know if it will work.
Correct!
o I’m struggling but finally beginning to
understand, this is making me happy.
o I’m struggling but finally beginning to
understand, which is making me happy.
Correct!
The main cause of sentence errors:
o confusing the different kinds of joining words
Refer to Chapters 10 and 11 in Foundations
First if you aren’t sure which kind of word it
is and what punctuation is needed.
STOP
Let’s try a few, just to make sure you
can catch any punctuation errors!
Which is correct?
o I understand run-ons, however, I’m still having
trouble with comma splices.
o I understand run-ons; however, I’m still having
trouble with comma splices.
Which is correct?
o I’m really good with punctuation because I
have been practicing so much.
o I’m really good with punctuation; because I
have been practicing so much.
Which is correct?
o I waited for the bus, it took nearly twenty
minutes to arrive.
o I waited for the bus, which took nearly twenty
minutes to arrive.
Which is correct?
o I’ve been given a number of new duties, for
example, I now have to do all the filing.
o I’ve been given a number of new duties; for
example, I now have to do all the filing.
Which is correct?
o The performers are attractive, talented, and
likable; it’s too bad the script is terrible.
o The performers are attractive, talented, and
likable, it’s too bad the script is terrible.
Which is correct?
o This grammar practice is useful although, I
sometimes wish we didn’t have to do so much
of it.
o This grammar practice is useful although I
sometimes wish we didn’t have to do so much
of it.
Which is correct?
o This grammar practice is useful; in fact, I wish
we could do more of it.
o This grammar practice is useful, in fact, I wish
we could do more of it.
You’ve got it!
No more
comma splices
or run-on
sentences ever
again!
To review how to avoid run-on
sentences and comma splices, see
Chapters 14 and 15.