Rules for Finding and Fixing Comma Splices and …

1 1 Rules FOR Finding AND Fixing Comma Splices AND fused sentences Understand the problem. What are Comma Splices and fused sentences ? They are problem sentences that contain two or more main clauses incorrectly joined together. Every main clause contains an independent subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. If you cram two or more of these clauses together with incorrect or missing punctuation, you hurt the logical parade of ideas. A Comma splice incorrectly joins two main clauses with a Comma , like this: MA I N CL A U S E + , + MA I N CL A U S E = b . A fused sentence has two main clauses joined with no punctuation at all, like this: MA I N CL A U S E + + MA I N CL A U S E = b . Know the solution. To fix a Comma splice or fused sentence, use one of the four strategies below.

2 ST R A T E G Y 1 MA K E T W O C O M P L E T E S E NT E N C E S. Because Comma Splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period [a full stop] at the end of the first clause and then begin the second one with a capital letter. Take a look at the fused sentence below: G r a n d m a s t i l l r i d e s h e r H a r l e y m o t o r c y c l e h e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s . 2 A break should occur between motorcycle and her. To fix the problem with Strategy 1, you would revise the sentence like this: G r a n d m a s t i l l r i d e s h e r H a r l e y m o t o r c y c l e . H e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s.

3 ST R A T E G Y 2 US E A C O M M A A N D A C O OR D I N A T I N G C O N J U N C T I ON. There are seven coordinating conjunctions. Some students 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: G r a n d m a s t i l l r i d e s h e r H a r l e y m o t o r c y c l e h e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s . To fix the problem with Strategy 2, you should do this: G r a n d m a s t i l l r i d e s h e r H a r l e y m o t o r c y c l e , a n d h e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s.

4 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 sentence isn't showing contrast. ST R A T E G Y 3 US E A S E M I C O L O N. Unlike a Comma , a semicolon is a strong enough mark of punctuation to join two main clauses. Use a semicolon like this: G r a n d m a s t i l l r i d e s h e r H a r l e y m o t o r c y c l e ; h e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s . 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.

5 3 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. ST R A T E G Y 4 US E A S U B O R D I N A T E C O NJ U N C T I O N. When you are Fixing a Comma splice or fused sentence, subordinate conjunctions are the most difficult to use. There are two reasons that subordinate conjunctions are tricky: 1) there are many subordinate conjunctions to choose from, and 2) you must use the right punctuation. For those who are not faint of heart, here are the things to keep in mind. First, know your subordinate conjunctions.

6 Here is a list: SU B O R D I N A T E CO N J U N C T I O N S after although as as if as long as as soon as as though because before even if even though how if in case in that in order that in so far as just as no matter how now that once provided that rather than since so [that implied] so that than that though till unless until when whenever where whereas wherever whether while Next, keep these general Rules in mind: MA I N CL A U S E + + SU B O R D I N A T E CL A U S E . SU B O R D I N A T E CL A U S E + , + MA I N CL A U S E . Now take a look at the original problem sentence: 4 Grammar Bytes! | | 2018 G r a n d m a s t i l l r i d e s h e r H a r l e y m o t o r c y c l e h e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s.

7 To fix the sentence with Strategy 4, you could do something like these two examples: W h i l e G r a n d m a r i d e s h e r H a r l e y m o t o r c y c l e, h e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s . G r a n d m a r i d e s h e r H a r l ey m o t o r c y c l e a s h e r t o y p o o d l e b a l a n c e s i n a b a s k e t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s . A good writer will fix problem sentences using all four strategies: adding a period and a capital letter, using a Comma and a conjunction, joining the two main clauses with a semicolon, or subordinating one of the parts with a subordinate conjunction.