Comma, Comma, Comma…Chameleon?:

Avoiding Comma Splices and Sentence

Fragments

UWC Writing WorkshopFall 2013

http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWyrN22Zmuo (courtesy of the Electric Company)

Let’s see what’s out there…

What do you know about sentence structure?

What do you think of when you hear “sentence structure?”

Why do you think it is so important? Do you think it is important?

What do you hope to learn/take away form this workshop today?

Sentence Structure?

What are independent and dependent

clauses? Independent clause is a group of words with

a subject and verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Ex.) The crew could see the whale.

Dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Ex.) which had surfaced only 50m behind them.

Put both examples together. Does it make sense? Do they fit together nicely?

From the Beginning!

To truly understand comma splices and

sentence fragments, you must first remember that there are a few different types of sentences. Simple Sentence: contains one independent

clause (a defined subject and verb can be found) Ex.) I swept the floor.

Compound Sentence: contains two or more independent clauses; can be joined together by a coordinating conjunction Ex.) I swept the floor, and he cleaned the

table.

4 Types of Sentences

Complex Sentence: contains one independent

clause plus one or more dependent clause Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept

the floor. Compound-Complex Sentence: contains two

independent clauses and one or more dependent clause Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept

the floor, and he cleaned the table. Remember: In order to use the following sentences

correctly in your writing, you must first understand how they are constructed!!

4 Types of Sentences (cont’d)

Read each sentence carefully and identify what

kind of sentence it is.1. Robert moved in, and I moved in a month later.

• COMPOUND

2. Sarah found her cat in a tree.• SIMPLE

3. As I drove the car, Carlos changed the radio station, and he began to dance.• COMPOUND-COMPLEX

4. Even if I leave early, I will still be late for work.• COMPLEX

Sentence Practice!

Now that we understand what a sentence is, we

can begin to look at problems that may occur

when writing one!

Let’s start with…

Comma Splices!

When two independent clauses are

connected with only a comma A comma splice happens when you use a

comma to join two independent clauses. That’s a no-no in grammar! Commas are used for separating, not connecting.

A Comma Splice is…

Consider the following sentence:

My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Is this correct? Why or why not?

NO! There are two independent clauses joined by a comma!

How do we fix it? Correction #1: Break the sentence into two separate

sentences Correction #2: Add a coordinating conjunction and a

comma Correction #3: Add a subordinating conjunction with a

comma

How to Fix a Comma Splice:

The following sentences contain comma

splices. For each sentence, suggest two possible revisions.1. I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long.

2. She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding.

3. My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief.

Let’s Practice!

Also, when considering when to use a comma,

consult the (comma)ndments!

Fail to be a sentence because they cannot

stand alone. They also do not contain even one independent clause.

Sometimes, fragments may be pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. These can be fixed in several ways. Fragment: Purdue offers many majors in

engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.

Possible Revision: Purdue offers many majors in engineering, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.

Sentence Fragments…

Also, remember that some fragments are not

clearly pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or main verb. No Main Verb: A story with deep thoughts and

emotions. Possible Revision: She told a story with deep

thoughts and emotions. No Subject: When the ultimate effect of all

advertising is to sell the product. Possible Revision: The ultimate effect of all

advertising is to sell the product.

Sentence Fragments (cont’d)

Let’s Practice!

Read the following sentences and determine whether they are complete sentences or fragments.1. While I was driving to work and there was an accident

on the road.2. Wherever I go, I take my cell phone with me.3. As soon as I finish this grammar exercise, I will eat

lunch.4. Whether I complete this course and get credit for it in

the fall.5. So that I don’t spend too much time on any of my

projects, I make sure I take frequent breaks.

Remember that the UWC is always here to help you! 678-839-6513 writing@westga.edu TLC 1201 (First floor, past the snacks) www.westga.edu/writing Like us on Facebook:

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Questions?