Combating Comma Splices
Students can vastly improve their writing by avoiding comma splices. First, recognize what a
comma splice is. A comma splice results when two sentences are incorrectly joined or spliced
together with a comma. Comma splices can be repaired by (a) adding a conjunction, (b)
separating into two sentences, or (c) changing the comma to a semicolon.
Comma Splice:
Mark supervises shipping, Greta controls invoicing.
Revisions:
Mark supervises shipping, and Greta controls invoicing. (Add a conjunction.)
Mark supervises shipping; however, Greta controls invoicing. (Add a conjunctive adverb.)
Mark supervises shipping. Greta controls invoicing. (Separate into two sentences.)
Mark supervises shipping; Greta controls invoicing. (Change comma to semicolon.)
Try your skill at revising the following sentences to avoid comma splices. If a sentence is correct,
mark it C. Hint: Three sentences are correct.
1. I'm not looking for the perfect job, I just want one to get started.
2. We can help you develop your online résumé, visit us at www.Resume.org.
3. No stock prices were available yesterday, the market was closed for the holiday.
4. Many applicants responded to our advertisement, however only one had writing skills.
5. Send an e-mail to all committee members, tell them our next meeting will be Friday.
6. Because my secret candy supply was depleted, I suspected that someone had been working at
my desk.
7. Being on time is important in North America, in other countries it is less important.
8. Although an interviewer usually asks most of the questions, the candidate should also be
ready with questions.
9. I was really upset, my computer crashed before I could save my work.
10. We had a great team on our project, we got along well and finished on time.
11. We have run out of space in this office, that is why we are relocating.
© Dr. Mary Ellen Guffey – May be duplicated for educational purposes only.
ESSENTIALS OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: PROCESS AND PRODUCT
12. I tried to locate her by sending instant messages, she didn't answer.
13. When setting goals for yourself, don't see backsliding as a failure.
14. Get back on track, look toward the future.
15. Don't make resolutions, create a step-by-step plan for working toward your goals.
Suggested Revisions:
1. I'm not looking for the perfect job. I just want one to get started.
2. We can help you develop your online résumé; visit us at www.Resume.org.
3. No stock prices were available yesterday. The market was closed for the holiday.
4. Many applicants responded to our advertisement; however, only one had writing skills.
5. Send an e-mail to all committee members, and tell them our next meeting will be Friday.
6. Because my secret candy supply was depleted, I suspected that someone had been working at
my desk. [Correct.]
7. Being on time is important in North America, but in other countries it is less important.
8. Although an interviewer usually asks most of the questions, the candidate should also be
ready with questions. [Correct.]
9. I was really upset; my computer crashed before I could save my work.
10. We had a great team on our project. We got along well and finished on time.
11. We have run out of space in this office, and that is why we are relocating.
12. I tried to locate her by sending instant messages, but she didn't answer.
13. When setting goals for yourself, don't see backsliding as a failure. [Correct.]
14. Get back on track; look toward the future.
15. Don't make resolutions. Create a step-by-step plan for working toward your goals.
© Dr. Mary Ellen Guffey – May be duplicated for educational purposes only.
ESSENTIALS OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: PROCESS AND PRODUCT