Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences
Two simple sentences joined together can form another kind of sentence: a compound sentence.
When building compound sentences there are two errors that can occur.
Error #1: Comma splice
- This is when writers try to separate the two simple sentences in a compound sentence
with only a comma.
- A comma isn’t effective enough as a punctuation mark to efficiently separate two simple sentences alone.
Error #2: Fused sentences
- This is when writers join two simple sentences together without using any punctuation
between them.
- This causes a “fuse” and creates an incorrect compound sentence.
Three ways to fix a fused sentence and a comma splice:
- Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction that fits well.
- Example: Jessica went to the mall her mom went to get her hair done.
- Why is it incorrect?
- There are no punctuation marks separating the sentences.
- Correction: Jessica went to the mall, and her mom went to get her hair done.
- Place a semicolon between the two simple sentences.
- Example: Jessica went to the mall, her mom went to get her hair done.
- Why is it incorrect?
- The comma is at an awkward spot, and it disrupts the flow of the sentence.
- Correction: Jessica went to the mall; her mom went to get her hair done.
- Add the necessary punctuation and conjunctive adverb.
- Example: Jessica went to the mall her mom went to get her hair done.
- Why is it incorrect?
- There are no punctuation marks separating the sentences.
- Correction: Jessica went to the mall, and her mom went to get her hair done.
