Mrs. Loomis

To eliminate the comma splice, first you need to understand the definition of an independent clause.

An independent clause contains a SUBJECT and a VERB can stand independently/alone.

Which of the following is an independent clause? When Pearl S. Buck wrote The Good Earth.

Is there a subject? Is there a verb? Can it stand alone?

Pearl S. Buck wrote The Good Earth. Is there a subject? Is there a verb? Can it stand

alone?

A comma splice is defined as connecting two independent clauses with a comma.Example: I went to Blockbuster, I rented

Shakespeare in Love.

A comma alone is too weak to connect two independent clauses; therefore, you must use stronger punctuation.

Create two complete sentences I went to Blockbuster. I rented Shakespeare in

Love. Use a dependent clause

When I went to Blockbuster, I rented Shakespeare in Love.

Use a semicolon I went to Blockbuster; I rented Shakespeare in

Love. Use a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)

I went to Blockbuster, and I rented Shakespeare in Love.

On your own paper, correct the following sentences if they contain a comma splice (some do not). Use a different method each time. Tony’s mother and father are opposites, Tony

contains characteristics of each parent. When Tony first went to school, he felt

isolated. Lupito had “war sickness,” the men shot him

regardless. Tony’s brothers returned from war, so their

mother was overjoyed. Two of Tony’s brothers left, only Andrew

stayed. Ultima uses her magic for both good and evil,

she is a paradoxical character.

Why is the following example incorrect?Ultima uses her magic for both good and

evil, and is a paradoxical character.

Who” and “Whom” refer only to people. “That” generally refers to animals and

things “Which” cannot refer to people. Use “Who” if the pronoun is the subject

of a verb. Use “Whom” if the pronoun is the object

of a verb, preposition, or infinitive. Or, implement the “M” rule:

In other words, try substituting “Him,” “Her(m)” or “Them” in place of who/whom.

If one of the “M” pronouns works, use “Whom.” If not, use “Who.”

On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/thatThe teacher ________________ ate the

carrot turned orange. To test the “m” rule, break the

sentence into its clauses:The teacher turned orange._____ ate the carrot.Therefore, use “Who”

On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/thatThe teacher _________ I like the best

is Mrs. Hawkins. To test the “m” rule, break the

sentence into its clauses:The teacher is Mrs. Hawkins.I like _______ the best.Therefore, use “Whom”

On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/that I was not sure _______ had written the letter.Could it be someone ________ I had asked

out on a date?To ________ do you wish to speak?The cat ________ ate the rat threw up.Odysseus is a hero _________ everyone

admires.

Any questions?Get it? Got it? Good!

That introduces essential clauses Example:

I do not trust products that claim "all natural ingredients" because this phrase can mean almost anything. We would not know which products were being

discussed without the that clause.

Which introduces nonessential clauses.The product claiming "all natural

ingredients," which appeared in the Sunday newspaper, is on sale. The product is already identified. Therefore,

which begins a nonessential clause.

NOTE: Essential clauses do not have commas surrounding them while nonessential clauses are surrounded by commas.

If this, that, these, or those has already introduced an essential clause, you may use which to introduce the next clause, whether it is essential or nonessential. Examples:

That is a decision which you must live with for the rest of your life.

Those ideas, which we've discussed thoroughly enough, do not need to be addressed again.

NOTE: Often, you can streamline your sentence by leaving out which. Example: That is a decision which you must live with for the rest of your life. Better: That is a decision you must live with for the rest of your life.

On your own paper, insert the correct form of who/whom/which/that I don’t like movies ____________ are violent.My favorite movie, ____________ happened to

win an Oscar, is The Graduate. I don’t trust people __________ say they have

never lied.

Any questions?Get it? Got it? Good!