THE COMMA SPLICE

Occurs in a compound or compound complex sentence when two independent

Comma clauses (complete sentences) are joined by only a comma (,) instead of a semicolon
Splice (;) a comma and a coordinating conjunction (fanboys: for, and, nor, but, or yet,
so), or a subordinator (dependent word).

Example: Larry went to New York, he attended an art conference there.

s v s v
Note: Both subject/verb parts are independent clauses, so they need more than a comma in
order to connect them.

Four Ways to Correct the Comma Splice:

Larry went to New York. He attended an art
1. Replace the comma with a period.
conference there.
2. Add a coordinating conjunction (fanboys) Larry went to New York, and he attended an
after the comma already there. art conference there.
Larry went to New York; he attended an art
3. Replace the comma with a semicolon.
conference there.
4. Change one of the independent clauses to
When Larry went to New York, he
a dependent clause by adding a
attended an art conference there.
subordinator (dependent word).

Which Method of Correction is Best?

1. To make a definite separation between the two sentences, Example: Star went to Alaska
the best punctuation is using a period after the first on vacation this summer. She
independent clause and putting the second independent wants to go to New Zealand
clause into a separate sentence. next.

2. If you want to express an alternative, show contrast, Example: Star went to Alaska
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clarify something in chronological order, or show a causal on vacation this summer, and
relationship, then use the comma and a coordinating she saw the glaciers there.
conjunction.

Example: Star went to Alaska

3. If you want to show a close, continuing relationship
this summer; she went on a
between two sentences, use a semicolon.
cruise ship.

4. If you want to add additional information related to the

Example: When Star went to
independent clause, you can add a subordinator (dependent
Alaska this summer, she saw
word) such as after, because, before, since, until, when,
polar bears.
whenever, while, if, although, even though, while, or where.

Note: Conjunctive adverbs (see list below) are not the same
Example: I will practice using
as coordinating conjunctions (fanboys) for, and nor, but, or
correct punctuation; therefore,
yet, so. When a conjunctive adverb joins two independent
my writing will be better
clauses, it is preceded by a semicolon (;) and followed by a
understood.
comma.
Conjunctive Adverbs Commonly Used to Join Sentences
accordingly furthermore meanwhile similarly
also hence moreover still
anyway however nevertheless then
besides incidentally next thereafter
certainly indeed nonetheless therefore
consequently instead now thus
finally likewise otherwise undoubtedly

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Correct the following sentences by rewriting them in the space provided.

1. Diane and Michael danced for hours to the rhythms of the band from Colombia, it was their favorite music.
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2. Cecilia is allergic to the sun, therefore she enjoys walking on the beach in the early evening.
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3. The firefighters felt helpless, they could do nothing to save the house from burning.
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4. Fall is my favorite season, I love to watch the colorful leaves fall from the trees.
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5. George, on the other hand, dislikes fall, to him, it means he has to rake up leaves.
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6. Thoreau lived in the woods near Walden Pond to simplify his life, he also wanted to be close to nature and to
his hero, Emerson.
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7. The students were late, they did not have time to finish the test.
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8. Karin loves chocolate, consequently it is easy to buy her a birthday present.
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9. Mary went to Santa Barbara for the weekend, she enjoyed visiting her family.
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10. Cesar studied all week for his math test, undoubtedly he will receive the highest grade in class.
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