HFCC learning Lab
Sentence Structure, 4.1
COMMA SPLICES
Explanation
When two independent clauses (also called main clauses) are linked by the use of a
comma alone, a comma splice results. This is a serious error in sentence construction.
Examples:
The stock holders sat down, the president called the meeting to order.
Paulo Soleri is a architect who is concerned about the relationship between
man and nature, he is building a model city of the future to test his theories
about how the requirements of both can be harmonized.
There are several ways to correct comma splices:
1. The two independent clauses may be written as separate sentences.
The stockholder sat down. The president called the meeting.
Paulo Soleri is a architect who is concerned about the relationship between
man and nature. He is building a model city of the future to test his theories
about how the requirements of both can be harmonized.
2. The independent clauses may be joined with a comma plus a coordinating
conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for and sometimes so and yet).
The stockholder sat down, and the president called the meeting.
Paulo Soleri is a architect who is concerned about the relationship between
man and nature, and he is building a model city of the future to test his
theories about how the requirements of both can be harmonized.
3. The independent clauses can also be joined by a semi-colon.
The stockholder sat down; the president called the meeting.
Paulo Soleri is a architect who is concerned about the relationship between
man and nature; he is building a model city of the future to test his theories
about how the requirements of both can be harmonized.
4. One of the independent clauses may be subordinated.
As soon as their stockholder sat down, the president called the meeting.
Because he is an architect who is concerned about the relationship between
man and nature, Paulo Soleri is building a model city of the future to test his
theories about how the requirements of both can be harmonized.
Caution: Conjunctive adverbs or transitional expressions many not be used as
coordinating conjunctions. When conjunctive adverbs occur between main clauses, they
must be preceded by a semi-colon and followed by a comma.
Examples:
The stereo was only three months old: therefore, it was repaired under
warranty.
Any medicine can be dangerous; for example, even aspirin can cause
illness.
The common conjunctive adverbs or transitional expressions are the following:
Accordingly
henceforth
nevertheless
Also
however
on the contrary
Anyhow
in addition
on the other hand
As a result
indeed
otherwise
Besides
in other words
that is
At the same time
in fact
still
For example
likewise
therefore
Hence
moreover
thus
Note: if a conjunctive adverb, or transitional expression, interrupts a clause instead of
joining it to another main clause, the semi-colon is not used.
I don’t like punch; I sometimes drink it, however, at parties.
He did his best to help me; my problem, however, is one he had never
encountered.
Exercise: correct the comma splices by writing them as separate sentences.
1. Nothing satisfied him, he had made up his mind to be unhappy and he was.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Writing a good essay is not easy, several rewrites are generally required.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Many young children do not get enough sleep each night, as a result their
schoolwork suffers.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
Correct the comma splices by joining the independent clauses with a comma and
coordinating conjunction.
1. Balancing the family budget is not always an easy task, it is an essential part of
good money management.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Art likes to read mystery novels, his favorites are the works of Agatha Christie.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
3. The purchase of a new car is a major expenditure for the average family, it should
be planned for carefully,
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
Correct these comma splices by joining the independent clauses with a semi-colon.
1. Tom studied sociology to learn how people relate to each other in the society, he
studied psychology to learn how the needs of individuals influence relationships.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Numerous books have been written about how to improve oneself, I’m okay:
you’re okay and be your own best friend are examples.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
3. A responsible citizen should be well informed, he must always be aware of
important issues and should know how they are being handled.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
Correct the comma splices by subordinating one of the independent clauses.
1. A sensible diet is essential to good health, children should learn about proper
nutrition at an early age.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
2. I enjoy the beauty of a fresh snowfall, I don’t like shoveling the snow from the
driveway.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Joan cares a great deal about people, she plans a career in medical research.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
Answers to Comma Splice Exercises
Independent clauses written as separate sentences:
1. Nothing satisfied him. He had made up his mind to be unhappy and he was.
2. Writing a good essay is not easy. Several rewrites are generally required.
3. Many young children do not get enough sleep each night. As a result their
schoolwork suffers.
The independent clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction
1. Balancing the family budget is not always an easy task, but it is an essential part
of good money management.
2. Art likes to read mystery novels, and his favorites are the works of Agatha
Christie.
3. The purchase of a new car is a major expenditure for the average family, and it
should be planned for carefully
Independent clauses with a semi-colon
1. Tom studied sociology to learn how people relate to each other in the society; he
studied psychology to learn how the needs of individuals influence relationships.
2. Numerous books have been written about how to improve oneself; I’m okay:
you’re okay and be your own best friend are examples.
3. A responsible citizen should be well informed; he must always be aware of
important issues and should know how they are being handled.
7/28/2010