Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused Sentences

Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused SentencesRun-ons, comma splices, and

fused sentences are all names given to compound sentences that are not punctuated correctly. The best way to avoid such errors is to punctuate compound sentences correctly by using one or the other of these rules.

Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused SentencesOne of the most common sentence errors is a

comma splice, most people don't even recognize one when they see it.

A comma splice is really a compound sentence, it's just missing the proper punctuation.

Commas don't have enough "glue" to hold together two sentences, they aren't strong enough.

A comma splice can be corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction, it can also be corrected by replacing the comma with a semicolon.

Fixing Comma Splices

FANBOYS + Comma◦Join the two independent clauses

with one of the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet), and use a comma before the connecting word.

Fixing Comma SplicesSEMICOLON

◦ When you do not have a connecting word (or when you use a connecting word other than and, but, for, or nor, so, or yet between the two independent clauses) use a semicolon (;).

_______________;_________________.◦ He often watched TV when there were only

reruns; she preferred to read instead.

or_______________; however,____________.

◦ He often watched TV when there were only reruns; however, she preferred to read instead.

Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused SentencesReview: run-ons and fused

sentences are terms describing two independent clauses which are joined together with no connecting word or punctuation to separate the clauses.

Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused SentencesIncorrect: They weren't

dangerous criminals they were detectives in disguise.◦Correct: They weren't dangerous

criminals; they were detectives in disguise.

Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused SentencesIncorrect: I didn't know which job

I wanted I was too confused to decide.◦Correct: I didn't know which job I

wanted, and I was too confused to decide.

Julie is a real hypochondriac when her stomach hurts, she is certain that she has a bleeding ulcer, and if she has a backache, she believes that she has cancer of the spine. A. comma splice B. fused sentence 2. My cat Buster loves to nap on warm appliances when he sleeps on top of the television, his tail swipes the screen like a windshield wiper. A. comma splice B. fused sentence 3. During English class, Anthony kept flirting with RaShaunda because his behavior was keeping Shenicka from understanding the lecture, Shenicka whacked him over the head with her heavy dictionary. A. comma splice B. fused sentence 4. In preparation for the quiz, La'Mia studied comma splices and fused sentences until she thought her brain would burst, finally, she put away her notes, convinced that she would remember the rules even on her death bed. A. comma splice B. fused sentence 5. At the back of the classroom, Nina sat with her arms crossed, glaring at her teacher, Mr. Beane, her body language indicated that English was her least favorite subject. A. comma splice B. fused sentence 6. When Matt shaved his head, his mother worried that he had joined a cult the real reason for the bald head, however, was that Matt could get more attention and sympathy from girls who thought he was sick with a dread disease. A. comma splice B. fused sentence 7. Mike loves to play computer games, especially Tomb Raider, he imagines that all of the villains are

Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused SentencesJulie is a real hypochondriac

when her stomach hurts, she is certain that she has a bleeding ulcer, and if she has a backache, she believes that she has cancer of the spine.

PracticeMy cat Buster loves to nap on

warm appliances when he sleeps on top of the television, his tail swipes the screen like a windshield wiper.

PracticeIn preparation for the quiz, La'Mia

studied comma splices and fused sentences until she thought her brain would burst, finally, she put away her notes, convinced that she would remember the rules even on her death bed.

PracticeAt the back of the classroom,

Nina sat with her arms crossed, glaring at her teacher, Mr. Beane, her body language indicated that English was her least favorite subject.

PracticeWhen Matt shaved his head, his

mother worried that he had joined a cult the real reason for the bald head, however, was that Matt could get more attention and sympathy from girls who thought he was sick with a dread disease.

PracticeMike loves to play computer

games, especially Tomb Raider, he imagines that all of the villains are his problems, and he gets great satisfaction blasting them to bits.

Practice

Jeremiah likes to put peanut butter on his pancakes instead of syrup, the smell is appealing, but I wouldn't want to eat anything so sticky that early in the morning.