Comma splices handout

Comma splices

                                   （Handout)

*What is Comma splices?
A comma splice is a grammatical error that occurs when two complete thoughts are separated only by a comma.

• A complete thought may also be called an independent clause or a complete sentence.

• A comma is not strong enough to separate two different ideas( sentences, complete thoughts, independent clauses)

*How do we fix this type of error?

3 ways to fix it !!!!!!!!!

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Strategy 1 — Make two complete sentences.

Example:

Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

A break should occur between motorcycle and her. To fix the problem with Strategy 1, you would revise the sentence like this:

Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle. Her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

Strategy 2 — Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions. Some people remember the seven by learning the word fanboys. Each of the seven letters of fanboys stands for one of the coordinating conjunctions.

F = for; A = and; N = nor; B = but; O = or; Y = yet; S = so

Teamed up with a comma, these seven coordinating conjunctions can correctly join two main clauses. Take a look at our original example:

Example:

Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

To fix the problem with Strategy 2, you should do this:

Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle, and her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

*The important thing to remember with Strategy 2 is that you must use a coordinating conjunction that logically joins the two complete sentences. The coordinating conjunction but, for example, wouldn't work in the example above because the writer isn't showing contrast.

Strategy 3 — Use a semicolon.

Unlike a comma, a semicolon is a strong enough mark of punctuation to join two main clauses. Use a semicolon like this:

Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle; her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

Keep these three things in mind when you use a semicolon:

▪ The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning.

▪ Don't capitalize the word that follows the semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one that is always capitalized.

▪ Limit your use of semicolons; you should not wantonly scatter them throughout your writing. Semicolons are like glasses of champagne; save them for special occasions.

Let’s Review:

1. use a Period to separate the sentences and capitalize the first letter of the second independent clause.
2. add a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) after the comma. 

For

and 

nor 

but 

or 

yet

so

1. place a semicolon(;)between the two complete thoughts.

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If you got that= A+, IF YOU DIDN’T GET IT, FAIL!