Revising comma splice sand rum-on sentences
1. Comma splices
2. Run-on sentence
3. Fused sentences
A run- on sentence is created when two independent clauses are joined incorrectly.
A comma splice is a run-on that occurs when two independent clause are joined by just a comma.
A fused sentence is a run on that occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation.
COMMA SPLICE: Charles Dickens created the character of Mr. Micawber, he also created Uriah Heep.
CHECKLIST: REVISING COMMA SPLICE AND FUSED
SENTENCES
To revise a comma splice or fused sentence, use one of the following strategies.
Add a period between the clauses.
Add a semicolon between a clause.
Add an appropriate coordinating conjunction.
Subordinate one clause to the other, creating a complex sentence.
3a Revising with periods
You can add a period between the in dependent clauses, creating two separate sentences. This is a good
strategy to use when the clauses are long or when they are not closely related.
Example:
Comma splice: In 1894 French Human Alfred Dreyfus was falsely convicted of treason, his struggle for
justice pitted the army against the civil liberation.
Revising: In 1894 French Human Alfred Dreyfus was falsely convicted of treason. His struggle for justice
pitted the army against the civil liberation.
3b Revising with Semicolons
You can add a semicolon between two closely related clauses that convey parallel or contrasting
information.
Example
Comma Splice: Chippendale chairs have straight legs, however, Queen Anne chairs have curve
[Link]: Chippendale chairs have straight legs; however, Queen Anne chairs have curve legs.
Note: when you use a translation words or phrase (such as however, therefore, or fore ample) to
connect two independent clauses, the translational element must be preceded by a semicolon and followed
by a comma. If you use a comma alone, you create a comma splice. If you omit punctuation entirely, you
create a fused sentence.
3c Revising with Coordinating conjunctions
You can use a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, nor, for, so , yet) to join to closely related clauses
for equal importance in to one compound Sentnce. The coordinating conjunction you choose indicates
the relationship between the clause, addition (and), contrast, (but, yet), causality (for, so), or a choice of
alternatives (or, nor). Be sure to add a comma between the coordinating conjuction.
Example:
Comma Splice: Elias Howe invented the sewing machine, hila Ward Howe was a poet and social
reformer.
Revising: Elias Howe invented the sewing machine, hila Ward Howe was a poet and social reformer.
3d Revising with subordinating conjunctions or Relative Pronouns
When the idea in two independent clauses are not of equal importance, you can use an appropriate
subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun to join the clauses into one complex sentence placing
the less important idea in the dependent clause.
Example
Comma Splice: Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring shocked Parisians in 1913, its rhythms seemed
erotic.
Revising: Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring shocked Parisians in 1913, because its rhythms seemed
erotic.
Adane E. (B.a)
