B2 Lesson 3: Correcting Comma Splices and Fused Sentences
At the B1 level, we learned about the common error of the run-on sentence1. At the B2 level, we will master the techniques to eliminate this error from our writing to ensure clarity and professionalism.
Review: What is a Run-on Sentence?
A run-on sentence incorrectly joins two or more complete sentences (independent clauses) without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
The Two Main Types of Run-on Errors
1. Fused Sentence: Two sentences with no punctuation between them.
Incorrect ❌: The city is busy during the day it is very quiet at night.
2. Comma Splice: Two sentences joined only by a comma, which is not strong enough.
Incorrect ❌: The city is busy during the day, it is very quiet at night.
Four Strategies to Fix Run-on Sentences
Let's take this comma splice error and fix it using four different strategies.
Run-on Error: The presentation was interesting, the speaker was very engaging.
Strategy 1: Use a Period (Simple & Always Correct)
Separate the two ideas into two simple sentences.
Correct ✅: The presentation was interesting. The speaker was very engaging.
Strategy 2: Use a Comma + FANBOYS Conjunction (Good for showing relationships)
Create a compound sentence.
Correct ✅: The presentation was interesting, and the speaker was very engaging.
Strategy 3 (Advanced): Use a Semicolon (;)
A semicolon2 can connect two very closely related independent clauses. It is stronger than a comma but softer than a period.
Correct ✅: The presentation was interesting; the speaker was very engaging.
Strategy 4 (Advanced): Use a Semicolon + Transitional Adverb
This creates a very formal and sophisticated structure. Note the comma after the transitional adverb.
Correct ✅: The presentation was interesting; moreover, the speaker was very engaging.
✍️ B2 Proofreading Checklist
- ✔️ Have I read my writing specifically to find sentences that contain two complete ideas?
- ✔️ Have I corrected any run-on sentences using one of the four strategies?
- ✔️ If the two ideas are very closely related, could I use a semicolon for a more advanced style?
- ✔️ If I use a transitional adverb like however or therefore to connect two sentences, have I used a semicolon before it and a comma after it?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Identify the Best Fix
Read the run-on sentence below. Which option is the most sophisticated and logical way to correct it?
Run-on Sentence: He did not study for the final exam, he failed the course.
- He did not study for the final exam. He failed the course.
- He did not study for the final exam, but he failed the course.
- He did not study for the final exam; therefore, he failed the course.
Answer: C. While A is grammatically correct, C is the best answer because it uses a sophisticated structure (semicolon + transitional adverb) and shows the clear logical relationship of cause and effect ("therefore").
📝 Homework: Become a Sentence Expert
Get your notebook and pen. Rewrite the following run-on sentences. For each one, use a different correction strategy from today's lesson.
- The rainy season in Cambodia is very wet the dry season is very hot.
- I have a lot of work to do I cannot go out tonight.
- The new smartphone has an amazing camera its battery life is also excellent.
Challenge: Try to use at least one semicolon in your answers!
Vocabulary Glossary
- Run-on Sentence: (Noun) - ប្រយោគបន្ត - An error where two or more independent clauses are joined improperly. ↩
- Semicolon: (Noun) - សញ្ញាក្បៀសចុច - The punctuation mark (;) used to connect two closely related independent clauses. ↩
- Transitional Adverb: (Noun Phrase) - គុណកិរិយាភ្ជាប់ - An adverb that connects two clauses and shows a relationship (e.g., however, therefore, moreover). ↩
- Comma Splice: (Noun) - ក្បៀសខុស - The error of joining two sentences with only a comma.
- Sophisticated: (Adjective) - ទំនើប - Advanced and showing a high level of development or complexity.