Editing: Those darn comma splices
When editing How do you identify a comma splice?
A comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate joining word between them. The comma just isn’t strong enough to do the job of making one grammatical sentence out of two.
What is an example of comma splice?
A comma splice error occurs when sentences or independent clauses are improperly connected by a comma alone. Examples of Comma Splice Errors: The clouds were dark, we thought it would rain. I bought a coat, however, it did not fit.
Are comma splices okay in dialogue?
Writers should generally not use a comma to connect two independent clauses, and editors of fiction and nonfiction should be alert to this misuse of the comma. The following examples violate this principle and demonstrate what is known as the “comma splice”: Canceling your vacation is a horrible idea, don’t do it.
What are four ways to fix a comma splice error?
Five Ways to Fix a Run-on or Comma Splice
- Add a period and a capital letter. Add a period and a capital letter to separate the sentences.
- Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
- Add a semicolon.
- Add a “transitional word”
- Add a subordinating conjunction.
What are the rules of comma splice?
Rules for Comma Splices
A comma splice is the unjustifiable use of only a comma to combine two separate sentences. (One should use either a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction and a comma to separate the two statements.) Comma splice: Wearing a seatbelt is not just a good idea, it’s the law.
How do you prevent comma splices?
Combining Clauses to Avoid Comma Splices, Run-ons, and Fragments
- OPTION 1:Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
- OPTION 2: Use a semicolon.
- OPTION 3: Use a semicolon, transition word, and comma.
- OPTION 1: Use a subordinating conjunction after the independent clause.
Why is it called a comma splice?
When you join two independent clauses with a comma and no conjunction, it’s called a comma splice. Some people consider this a type of run-on sentence, while other people think of it as a punctuation error. Here’s an example of a comma splice: Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials.
What are the 4 types of commas?
There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas.
What are the 3 main comma rules?
A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause in the sentence. The most common three rules of commas involve introducers, interrupters, and add-ons. Sometimes even an instructor’s marks on an essay don’t help.
What is the symbol for comma splice?
Each subject-predicate pair above stands alone as a complete thought. Thus, the sentence contains two independent clauses. Because the clauses are connected by a comma that is not followed by a coordinating conjunction, the result is a comma splice (indicated above with the symbol *).
How do you identify a fused sentence and a comma splice?
There is not much difference between the two:
- A comma splice occurs when you’ve used a comma instead of a period.
- A fused sentence is when you squeeze together two sentences with no punctuation in between.
How do you identify a comma?
Quote from video: If you don't have two complete sentences then you don't have a comma splice you're okay but if you look to the left and the right you see two complete sentences joined only with the comma.