COMMA SPLICES AND FUSED SENTENCES

I. Comma Splice: Only a comma between two main sentences.

a) I invited her to visit school any time she could, she graciously accepted and left. [Incorrect sentence]

b) I invited her to visit school any time she could; she graciously accepted and left. [Corrected sentence]

**Strategies for Correcting Comma Splices:

1. Join two separate sentences (independent clauses) with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction [and, but, or, for, nor, so, yet].

___________________, and _______________.

2. Create two separate sentences.

_________________. Capital letter _____________.

3. Join two independent clauses with a semicolon.

_______________; _________________.

4. Join two independent clauses with a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression [however, moreover, therefore, likewise, thus, for example, in contrast].

___________________; however, _____________________.

5. Subordinate one of the two clauses [although, while, when, because, since, unless].

Although________________, ___________________.

II. Fused Sentence: (Also known as a run-on sentence) No punctuation between independent clauses.

a) People used to go by wagon to the fishing hole we made the six mile trip by foot. [Incorrect sentence]

b) People used to go by wagon to the fishing hole. We made the trip by foot. [Corrected sentence]

**Strategies for Correcting Fused Sentences: Same as for the Comma Splice.

Chris Sutterfield Name:________________________

English IV

In-Class Exercise

COMMA SPLICE AND FUSED SENTENCES

(Correct the following sentences by stating the major usage error and inserting the appropriate revision.)

1. The current was swift he could not swim to shore.

2. Pete Hamill made a good argument concerning TV however he is wrong about the Andy Griffith Show.

3. The Razorbacks won the game Saturday, they beat Alabama by seven points.

4. Freshman composition students are very committed to writing their papers they spend almost all their time reading and writing.

5. Snow had fallen steadily for sixteen hours, many roads were closed.

6. The ice cream cake had begun to melt; it dripped onto Grandmother’s tablecloth.

7. The best way to win a gold medal is to train for long hours; however, many athletes don’t want to spend that much time in a gym.

--Identify and revise the comma splices and fused sentences in the following paragraph.

A good way to meet new people during the summer is to take evening courses, many colleges, high schools, and adult-education centers offer them. They attract different kinds of people who share common interests. Last summer in my woodworking class I met a woman who was also interested in carving a life-size monkey out of wood we have been touring zoos ever since. This summer in my banjo class I met several people who enjoy playing musical instruments with their feet, we are planning a trip to the podiatrist in Little Rock next month. If I had not attended evening classes, I would not have met these new friends, they have enriched my life I now have ten wooden monkeys to give as Christmas gifts and I can play the banjo with one foot.

Chris Sutterfield Name:________________________

English IV

In-Class Quiz

COMMA SPLICE AND FUSED SENTENCES

For the sentences below enter in the following blanks the major usage error by placing CS (comma splice) or FS (fused sentence). Next, make the necessary correction. If the sentence is correct, write C in the space.

_____ 1. Virginia has spent five years working toward a master’s degree she still has not completed the requirements.

_____ 2. I never saw a busier person than Fred, however, I don’t know what he does.

_____ 3. On a cold, stormy night the frightened horse broke out of his stall, but he didn’t wander away.

_____ 4. War and Remembrance is a historical novel its subject is World War II.

_____ 5. Dr. James unlocked the door to his office, he stood there for a moment before entering.

_____ 6. Jack and Ethan will go to a new school in January; I think that they will miss their old friends.

_____ 7. After Francine had finished breakfast, she went to the office, the sales meeting was scheduled for nine-thirty.

_____ 8. Jeannie was thrilled about being elected to Phi Beta Kappa, she could hardly wait to tell her parents the news.

_____ 9. The new Razorback stadium was packed with fans, moreover, many students had been unable to get tickets.

_____10. As I grow older, my necessities are fewer I realize how cumbersome possessions can be.

_____ 11. Byron did not make up the work he had missed, consequently, he failed the course.

_____ 12. The jury denied its request, the judge said that the request was unreasonable.

_____ 13. He always thought that he was right; hence, he was quite a bore.

_____ 14. Determined to win the game, the coach gambled on fourth down the game was lost at that point.

_____ 15. We went first to Florence, and then we went on to Pisa and Venice.

_____ 16. The requirements for the course were time consuming they were not, however, unreasonable.

_____ 17. The Razorback Marching Band has elected a new leader, she will take control on January 1.

_____ 18. When Amy and Laura play Monopoly, it is serious business, when Bill and Jennifer play, it is for fun and relaxation.