Sentence Structure: Comma Splices and
Sentence Fragments
UWC Workshop
Duane Theobald: dtheobal@westga.edu
What do you know about sentences and their structure?
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What do you hope to learn/take away from this workshop today?
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Let’s start at the beginning…
What are independent clauses/dependent clauses?
 Independent clause…
 Dependent clause…
Types of Sentences:
 Simple Sentence-contains one independent clause (a defined
subject and verb can be found)
o Example:
 Compound Sentence-contains two or more independent clauses;
can be joined together by a coordinating conjunction
o Example:
 Complex Sentence-contains one independent clause plus one or
more dependent clause
o Example:
 Compound-Complex-contains two independent clauses and one or
more dependent clause
o Example:
Sentence Practice: Read each sentence carefully and identify what
kind of sentence it is.
1. Robert moved in, and I moved in a month later.
2. Sarah found her cat in a tree.
3. As I drove the car, Carlos changed the radio station, and he began
to dance.
4. Even if I leave early, I will still be late for work.
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**Now that we understand exactly what a
sentence is, we can begin to look at problems
that may occur when writing one!**
Comma Splices
 A comma splice is...
How to spot a comma splice: A comma splice happens when you
use a comma to join two independent clauses. That's a no-no in
grammar. Commas are used for separating, not connecting.
How to fix a comma splice:
Consider the following sentence:
 My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to
enjoy everything we make together.
o Is this correct? Why or why not?o How can we fix it?
 Correction #1: My family bakes together nearly
every night. We then get to enjoy everything we
make together. (break the sentence into two
separate sentences)
 Correction #2: My family bakes nearly every night,
and we then get to enjoy everything we make
together. (add a coordinating conjunction and a
comma)
 Correction #3: After my family bakes together nearly
every night, we get to enjoy everything we make
together. (add a subordinating
conjunction and a comma)
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Let’s Practice!
The following sentences contain comma splices. For each sentence,
suggest two possible revisions.
1. I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long.
2. She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want
a summer wedding.
3. My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is
good for stress relief.
Also, when considering when to use a comma,
consult the (comma)ndments!
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Sentence Fragments
 A sentence fragment...
 Sometimes, fragments may be pieces of sentences that have
become disconnected from the main clause. These can be fixed
in several ways.
o Fragment: Purdue offers many majors in engineering.
Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.
o Possible Revision:
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o Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the
one I have now isn’t working out too well.
o Possible Revision:
 Also, remember that some fragments are not clearly pieces of
sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause;
they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or main
verb.
o Examples:
 No Main Verb: A story with deep thoughts and
emotions. (FRAGMENT)
 Possible Revision:
 No Subject: When the ultimate effect of all
advertising is to sell the product. (FRAGMENT)
 Possible Revision:
Let’s Practice!
Read the following sentences and determine whether they are
complete sentences or fragments.
1. While I was driving to work and there was an accident on the
road.
2. Wherever I go, I take my cell phone with me.
3. As soon as I finish this grammar exercise, I will eat lunch.
4. Whether I complete this course and get credit for it in the fall.
5. So that I don't spend too much time on any of my projects, I
make sure I take frequent breaks.
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A Few Final Thoughts:
 Remember that a comma splice is when two independent
clauses are connected with only a comma.
o Keep in mind that there are several ways to correct a
comma splice, so know what they are and how to
correctly use them.
o Also, make sure to follow the (COMMA)NDMENTS!! 
 Remember that a sentence fragment fails to be a sentence
because it cannot stand alone. It also does not contain
even one independent clause.
o Sometimes, fragments may be pieces of sentences that
have become disconnected from the main clause.
o Also, remember that some fragments are not clearly
pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the
main clause; they are written as main clauses but lack a
subject or main verb.
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