General Considerationsįused sentence and comma splice are two terms that describe specific kinds of run-on sentences. When two or more independent clauses are included in a single sentence with no punctuation between them, this is a fused sentence. When two or more independent clauses are included in a single sentence separated only by commas, this is a comma splice. The professor lectured, students took notes.Ĭlass began, the professor lectured, students took notes.Īn independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and is by itself a complete sentence. Run-on sentences can be fixed in a number of ways, some of which can help add variety, flair, or sophistication to your writing.ġ. The easiest way to fix a run-on sentence is to punctuate each independent clause with a period. These sentences are grammatically correct, but if you think you might like more variety in your sentences, other solutions might be better.Ģ. Another relatively easy way to fix run-ons is to separate independent clauses with semicolons. The professor lectured students took notes. The semicolon is a good solution if you have two independent clauses in your run-on sentence. If you have three independent clauses, inserting two semi-colons is technically correct, but may look awkward to readers.Ĭlass began the professor lectured students took notes. There are other, better options for repairing a run-on sentence with three independent clauses.ģ. You can also fix a run-on using one or more commas and one of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, so, or, nor, for. The professor lectured, so the students took notes. In these examples, two independent clauses are being joined, and one comma before the conjunction is all that is necessary. However, to join three independent clauses, insert a comma after the first two.Ĭlass began, the professor lectured, and students took notes. This is often a very effective way to repair a run-on with three independent clauses.Ĥ. The most sophisticated way to fix a run-on is to subordinate one of the independent clauses. When you subordinate a clause, you change the wording so that it is a dependent rather than an independent clause. The professor lectured while the students took notes.Īdding “when” and “while” to what had formerly been independent clauses made them dependent clauses that could be joined to an independent clause with no punctuation. Sometimes, when you subordinate a clause, you may need a comma.ĥ. Once you are familiar with them, you can use them together to add even more variety to your writing.Īny of the solutions above are great ways to repair a run-on. The following sentence uses solutions 1 and 3:Ĭlass began. The professor lectured, and students took notes. When class began, the professor lectured. When class began, the professor lectured students took notes. This method has some advantages other methods are less promising.When to Use a Comma (,) | Guide, Rules & ExamplesĬommas are used to split up different parts of a sentence, and when used correctly they bring clarity and flow to your writing.My research resulted in three useful articles, I will use them as evidence for my thesis.Historians have one view of this evidence, while religious authorities have a different view.The experiment was a success, my lab group and I were pleased with the results.Scholars argue about the veracity of this claim this paper will defend it.Revise these sentences to eliminate run-ons. They’re probably the most common piece of punctuation in English, which means that they’re often the most misused. This article takes you through the most important comma rules and the most common mistakes. Matilda who was unloved by her family escaped from reality by reading. Joining independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction Matilda, who was unloved by her family, escaped from reality by reading. Oysters are considered a luxury product so they are expensive. Oysters are considered a luxury product, so they are expensive.Ī stack of pancakes, and a lot of coffee make for a delicious breakfast.Ī stack of pancakes and a lot of coffee make for a delicious breakfast.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |