Lesson 1: Comma Splice and Run-on Sentences

What is a comma splice?

Independent clause, independent clause = comma splice

Example of a comma splice from a student paper:

While in college in South Dakota, Corey started playing around with graphics on his computer, what started as him playing around turned into a great job in construction graphics.

How does one find comma splices in one's own writing?

Looking at one sentence at a time, locate the first comma; place your hand over the portion of the sentence after the first comma. Is the first part of the sentence an independent clause? Now reverse the last step by looking at the part of the sentence after the comma. Is it an independent clause? If an independent clause occurs on both sides of the comma, there is a comma splice.

What is a run-on sentence?

Independent clause independent clause = a run-on sentence

Example of a run-on sentence from a student's paper:

The workout received is minimal, but children don't just play video games they also play outside and receive an extensive workout there.

How does one find a run-on sentence?

Run-ons are more easily found in one's writing if the writing is read aloud. Perhaps the writer should allow another person to read the writing aloud. When the reader stumbles, there is usually an error. When a person is reading aloud, there is an instinct for pausing after sentences. When the reader experiences a run-on, he will stumble in his reading.

How does one correct a comma splice or a run-on sentence?

There are several ways to correct a comma splice or a run-on sentence.

#1. Make the sentence two sentences using a period and capital letter.

While in college in South Dakota, Corey started playing around with graphics
on his computer. What started as simply playing around turned in a great job
in construction graphics.

The workout received is minimal, but children don't just play video games.
They also play outside and receive an intensive workout there.

#2. Use a semicolon instead of the comma.

While in college in South Dakota, Corey started playing around with graphics
on his computer; what started as simply playing around turned into a great job
in construction graphics.

The workout received is minimal, but children don't just play video games;
they also play outside and receive an intensive workout there.

#3. Use a coordinating conjunction with the comma.

While in college in South Dakota, Corey started playing around with graphics
on his computer, and what started as simply playing around turned into a great
job in construction graphics.

The workout received is minimal, but children don't just play video games, for
they also play outside and receive an intensive workout there.

#4. Use a semicolon-conjunctive adverb-comma combination instead of the comma.

While in college in South Dakota, Corey started playing around with graphics
on his computer; as a result, what started as simply playing around turned
in to a great job in construction graphics.

The workout received is minimal, but children don't just play video games;
in fact, they also play outside and receive an intensive workout there.

#5. Turn one clause into a subordinate clause.

While Corey was in college in South Dakota and was playing around with
graphics on his computer, he discovered a great job in construction graphics.

Although the workout is minimal, children don't just play video games but also
play outside and receive an extensive workout there.