Comma Splice and Fused

Sentences

What is a comma splice and

fused sentence?
A comma splice and a fused sentence are
two kinds of run-on sentences.
Comma splice: an error that occurs when
two independent clauses are joined by a
comma.
Fused sentence: an error that occurs when
two independent clauses are joined with no
punctuation.

Examples
Comma splice:
Mandy went to the
store for candy, she
also went for milk.

Fused Sentence:
Mandy went to the
store for candy she
also went for milk.

Two independent clauses

are joined by a comma.

Two independent clauses

are joined with no
punctuation.

Strategies
to revise a comma splice or fused sentence
Use a period to separate
the clauses
Use a semicolon
Add an appropriate
coordinating conjunction
such as but, yet, and, or,
for, so, nor
Subordinate one clause to
the other, creating a
complex sentence.

Which strategy works best?

When to use a period:
when clauses are longer or
when they are not closely
related.
When to use a semicolon:
use semicolon between
two closely related
independent clauses that
convey contrasting
information.

When to add a
coordinating
conjunction: if two
closely related clauses
are of equal
importance. Dont
forget a comma before
the coordinating
conjunction.

Continued
When to subordinate one clause to the
other: when two clauses are not of equal
importance. Make sure to place the less
important idea in a dependent clause.

Exceptions
If a comma splice is
used in dialogue
between a statement
and a tag question,
then it is acceptable.

Example:
This is Marys dog,
isnt it?

Lets Practice
Practice: Revise the
following comma
splice or fused
sentences using one of
the strategies.

1.) The fans yelled from

their seats, the game
was about to begin.
2.) Megan wanted to
become a lawyer
Candice wanted to
become a doctor.

Answers
The fans yelled from
their seats, the game
was about to begin.
This is a comma splice.

Method #1: The fans

yelled from their seats;
the game was about to
begin.
Method #2: The fans
yelled from their seats,
for the game was
about to begin.

Answers continued
Megan wanted to
become a lawyer
Candice wanted to
become a doctor.
This is a fused sentence.

Revised: Megan wanted

to become a lawyer,
but Candice wanted to
become a doctor.

Answers to Practice Questions

Marks apartment is
blue Jacks apartment
is yellow.
Two independent
clauses conveys
contrasting
information.

Answer: This is a
fused sentence.
Revised: Marks
apartment is blue;
Jacks apartment is
yellow.

Answers Continued
I love this book,
Jenny said, I wish I
bought part two
sooner.
This is two complete
sentence. You can
revise with a period.

Answer: This is a
comma splice.
Revised: I love this
book, Jenny said. I
wish I bought part two
sooner.

Answers
He said he was
coming, didnt he?
This comma splice is
used in dialogue
between a statement
and a tag question.

This is a comma
splice.
No revision, it is
acceptable.

Thats It!
This was your mini
lesson on comma
splice and fused
sentences. If you have
any question, refer to
your handout or one of
the grammar experts.