1. Comma Splices
Is it a crime to commit
comma splices?

2. What is a comma splice?
 A comma splice is a
type of run-on
sentence.
– a writer joins together
two independent
clauses, using only a
comma as punctuation
between them.

3. Clauses: Dependent vs. Independent

?

4. Independent Clause
a sentence that can stand alone.
Example:
The sun shines
brightly.
INDEPENDENT
CLAUSE=
SUBJECT + VERB

5. Dependent Clause
A dependent clause is a phrase that cannot
stand alone.
– dependent upon another clause to form a
complete sentence.
– has a subject and a verb.
 Example: The sun shining brightly.
– The verb form …a participial phrase…
makes this dependent.

6. Why do we even need commas?
 Commas are a signal to the reader…
– sort of a road map…
– tells the reader when to pause…
– not a full stop, like a period.

7. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating
conjunctions
“FANBOYS”
– A remedy for comma
splices.

8. Curing Comma Splices
Replace the comma with a semicolon
Use a FAN BOYS after the comma
Replace the comma with a period.

9. Semicolons
Use a semicolon to link together
independent clauses.
– provides a stronger separation than a comma
– not a full stop like a period.
SEMICOLON
INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT
CLAUSE
; CLAUSE

10. Semicolons and more
 Semicolons may be used alone or with a
conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.
SEMICOLON +
INDEPENDENT CONJUNCTIVE INDEPENDENT
CLAUSE ADVERB + CLAUSE
COMMA

11. Revise with a semicolon
 Using commas is fun, using semicolons can be
fun, too. = COMMA SPLICE
 REVISION
Using commas is fun; using semicolons can be
fun, too.
OR
Using commas is fun; however, using
semicolons can be fun, too.
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

12. Revise with “FANBOYS”
I don’t want to completely separate these
independent clauses, I can use one of the
FANBOYS. = COMMA SPLICE
REVISION
I don’t want to completely separate these
independent clauses, so I can use one of
the FANBOYS.

13. Revise with a period
 I want this statement to stand out, I will use a
period to separate these independent clauses.
= COMMA SPLICE
 REVISION
I want this statement to stand out. I will use a
period to separate these independent clauses.
. . . . . . . . . .

14. Your Turn
 No, it is not a crime to commit a comma
splice, it is an intellectual infraction.
= COMMA SPLICE
 Revise the above comma splice by using
one of the three options:
1) semicolon
2) coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
3) period

15. Don’t get caught with comma splices
Remember your options:
Join with a semicolon;
Connect with a conjunction, or
Separate with a period.

16. Are committing comma
splices a crime?
Yes!
-4 points!