RUN-ONS AND COMMA SPLICES ESL-0201 

A comma splice occurs when two or more sentences are connected with a comma. “Splice” means to join. The function of a comma is not to join. Therefore, when this occurs, it is an error. Examples:  Last summer, I went to Italy, it was a wonderful trip.  Many people wanted him to continue as president, he refused.  American high school students can choose to study a foreign language, French is very popular, most students choose Spanish. Comma Splice 

There are 3 ways to correct a comma splice: 1. Write 2 separate sentences. Add a period and capitalize the first letter in the next word. If you want to show the relationship between the two sentences, you can add a sentence connector to the start of the second sentence. Ex. Last summer, I went to Italy. It was a wonderful trip. 2. Join two sentences with a comma & coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). sentence connector. Ex. Last summer, I went to Italy, and it was a wonderful trip. 3. Combine your ideas into one sentence. Ex. My trip to Italy last summer was wonderful. Correcting Comma Splices 

Directions: Correct the comma splices. Write your answer on a piece of paper. There is more than 1 way to correct each sentence. You can see some answers on the next slides 1. The dime is the smallest coin in size, it is not the smallest in monetary value. 2. Computer programs can help students learn a foreign language, many students use the language programs in the computer center. 3. The oil embargo was announced, the price of gasoline soared. 4. Family is a locally produced magazine, the quality of writing is very high. Practice – Comma Splices 

1. The dime is the smallest coin in size, it is not the smallest in monetary value. 1. The dime is the smallest coin in size. It is not the smallest in monetary value. 2. The dime is the smallest coin in size, but it is not the smallest in monetary value. 3. The dime is the smallest coin in size; however, it is not the smallest in monetary value. 4. The dime is the smallest coin in size. However, it is not the smallest in monetary value 5. The dime, which is the smallest coin in size, is not the smallest in monetary value Practice – Comma Splices - Corrections 

1. Computer programs can help students learn a foreign language, many students use the language programs in the computer center. 1. Computer programs can help students learn a foreign language. Many students use the language programs in the computer center. 2. Computer programs can help students learn a foreign language, and many students use the language programs in the computer center. 3. Computer programs can help students learn a foreign language; therefore, many students use the language programs in the computer center. 4. Computer programs can help students learn a foreign language. Therefore, many students use the language programs in the computer center. Practice – Comma Splices - Corrections 

1. The oil embargo was announced, the price of gasoline soared. 1. The oil embargo was announced. The price of gasoline soared. 2. The oil embargo was announced, and the price of gasoline soared. 3. The oil embargo was announced; therefore, the price of gasoline soared. 4. The oil embargo was announced. Therefore, the price of gasoline soared. 5. When the oil embargo was announced, the price of gasoline soared. Practice – Comma Splices - Corrections 

1. Family is a locally produced magazine, the quality of writing is very high. 1. Family is a locally produced magazine. The quality of writing is very high. 2. Family is a locally produced magazine, and the quality of writing is very high. 3. Family is a locally produced magazine; though the quality of writing is very high. 4. Family is a locally produced magazine, so the quality of writing is very high. 5. Family, which is a locally produced magazine, has a high quality of writing. Practice – Comma Splices - Corrections 

Run-ons occur when you join two simple sentences with out pun ctuation or a proper con n ectin g word. You can correct them by:  Separating the two clauses (sentences) by a period.  Adding a sentence connector. Run-on Sentences 

Directions: Correct the run-on sentences. Write your answer on a piece of paper. There is more than 1 way to correct each sentence. You can see some answers on the next slides 1. My sister was taller than me when we were young now I am the tallest. 2. We usually leave at 11:00 today is different we are leaving at 10:30. 3. We should get moving there’s no time to waste. 4. My advisor told me not to take 18 credit hours for the fall semester I’m regretting not having listened to her. Practice - Run-on Sentences 

1. My sister was taller than me when we were young now I am the tallest. 1. My sister was taller than me when we were young. Now I am the tallest. 2. My sister was taller than me when we were young, but now I am the tallest. 3. My sister was taller than me when we were young. However, now I am the tallest. 4. My sister was taller than me when we were young; however, now I am the tallest. Practice - Run-on Sentences - Correction 

1. We usually leave at 11:00 today is different we are leaving at 10:30. 1. We usually leave at 11:00. Today is different. We are leaving at 10:30. 2. We usually leave at 11:00, but today is different, and we are leaving at 10:30. 3. We usually leave at 11:00; though, today is different, so we are leaving at 10:30. 4. We usually leave at 11:00. However, today is different because we are leaving at 10:30. Practice - Run-on Sentences - Correction 

1. We should get moving there’s no time to waste. 1. We should get moving. There’s no time to waste. 2. We should get moving, so there’s no time to waste. 3. We should get moving, and there’s no time to waste. 4. We should get moving; there’s no time to waste. 5. We should get moving because there’s no time to waste. Practice - Run-on Sentences - Correction 

1. My advisor told me not to take 18 credit hours for the fall semester I’m regretting not having listened to her. 1. My advisor told me not to take 18 credit hours for the fall semester. I’m regretting not having listened to her. 2. My advisor told me not to take 18 credit hours for the fall semester, and I’m regretting not having listened to her. 3. My advisor told me not to take 18 credit hours for the fall semester. Now, I’m regretting not having listened to her. Practice - Run-on Sentences - Correction