Tuesday Tip: Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Tuesday Tip

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

These are two problems commonly found in fiction. A run-on sentence is a sentence that joins two independent clauses without punctuation or without an appropriate conjunction. A comma splice is similar, but it uses a comma to join two clauses without an appropriate conjunction.

There are various ways to fix the problem. These include:

1. The two independent clauses can be separated into individual sentences.
2. The comma can be replaced with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, not, but, or, yet).
3. The comma can be replaced with a semicolon.
4. The comma can be replaced by a subordinating conjunction (after, although, before, as, because, unless, if, even though, since, while, when, until).
5. The comma can be replaced with a semicolon and a transitional word (otherwise, as a result, however, moreover, on the other hand, also, nevertheless, instead, consequently, therefore).

Here are some examples:

• Incorrect: You can use a pencil or pen, there are various choices.
• Correct:    You can use a pencil or pen. There are various choices.
• Correct:    You can use a pencil or pen for there are various choices
• Correct:    You can use a pencil or pen; there are various choices.
• Correct:    You can use a pencil or pen, because there are various choices.
• Correct:    You can use a pencil or pen; therefore, there are various choices.