Writing: Sentence Construction & Variety (Advanced) (B2) - Lesson 3: Correcting Comma Splices & Fused Sentences
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Hello B2 Writers! 👋
As you write more complex ideas, it's easy to accidentally create run-on sentences. Two common types of run-ons are comma splices and fused sentences. These errors can make your writing unclear and difficult for readers to follow.
Today, we'll learn to identify these errors and master several strategies to correct them, leading to stronger and more polished writing.
In this lesson, you will:
- Clearly define and identify comma splices and fused sentences.
- Learn and review five effective methods for correcting these run-on errors.
- Practice applying these correction strategies.
Quick Review: Independent Clauses
Before we dive into errors, let's remember what an independent clause is. An independent clause (or main clause):
- Contains a subject and a verb.
- Expresses a complete thought.
- Can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Example: The students studied for the exam. (Subject: students, Verb: studied. Complete thought.)
Understanding independent clauses is key to spotting and fixing run-on sentences.
Understanding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences
Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined incorrectly.
1. Fused Sentence
A fused sentence has two or more independent clauses joined with no punctuation or coordinating conjunction at all. The sentences are "fused" or melted together.
Incorrect (Fused): The park was crowded many families were enjoying the sunny weather.
This should be two separate ideas or correctly joined.
2. Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined only with a comma. A comma alone is not strong enough to connect two complete thoughts; it needs help!
Incorrect (Comma Splice): The park was crowded, many families were enjoying the sunny weather.
Both fused sentences and comma splices make writing hard to follow and grammatically incorrect.
Five Ways to Correct Comma Splices and Fused Sentences
Here are common and effective strategies:
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1. Use a Full Stop (.) to Create Separate Sentences.
This is often the simplest solution. Divide the run-on into two distinct sentences.
Run-on: She enjoys hiking he prefers swimming.
Correct: She enjoys hiking. He prefers swimming.
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2. Use a Comma , and a Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS).
Join the independent clauses with a comma followed by one of the FANBOYS conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Run-on: The presentation was informative, it was also quite long. (Comma Splice)
Correct: The presentation was informative, but it was also quite long.
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3. Use a Semicolon (;).
A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses. The ideas should be very connected.
Run-on: The deadline is tomorrow I still have a lot of work to do. (Fused)
Correct: The deadline is tomorrow; I still have a lot of work to do.
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4. Use a Semicolon ; with a Conjunctive Adverb and a Comma ,.
Conjunctive adverbs (e.g., however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless) show a specific relationship. Use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
Run-on: He practiced diligently, he won the competition. (Comma Splice)
Correct: He practiced diligently; therefore, he won the competition.
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5. Use a Subordinating Conjunction to Make One Clause Dependent.
Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction (e.g., although, because, when, if, since, while).
Run-on: The movie was very popular everyone wanted to see it. (Fused)
Correct: Because the movie was very popular, everyone wanted to see it.
Or: Everyone wanted to see the movie because it was very popular. (No comma usually needed if dependent clause is second).
Practice Correcting Run-on Sentences!
✨ Tips for Spotting and Fixing Run-ons ✨
- Read Aloud: If you find yourself running out of breath or a sentence sounds too long and jumbled, it might be a run-on.
- Look for Two "Sentences" in One: Can you find two or more complete thoughts (subject + verb) that are not properly connected?
- Check Your Commas: If you have a comma between two complete thoughts, make sure you also have a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). If not, it's a comma splice!
- Vary Your Fixes: Try different correction methods to add variety to your sentence structures.
Writing with Clarity and Precision! 🎉
By learning to identify and correct comma splices and fused sentences, you can significantly improve the clarity and grammatical correctness of your writing. Keep practicing these strategies!