Run-ons and Comma Splices

A Run–On or Comma Splice is formed when 2 independent clauses are punctuated as if they only create 1 sentence.

Correct: The murderer was caught. He had blood on his shoe.

Run-On: 2+ independent clauses with nothing in between.

The murderer was caught he had blood on his shoe.

Comma Splice: 2+ independent clauses separated by a comma.

The murderer was caught, he had blood on his shoe.

*A comma is not strong enough punctuation between two ICs!

Fixing Run-ons/Comma Splices

1. , coordinating conjunction

2. subordinating conjunction

3. ; lowercase

4. . Capital

Independ. Cl Independ. Cl.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions: For/And/Nor/But/Or/Yet/So

2. Subordinating conjunctions: (None of the FANBOYS)

Before, after, while, until, when, because, since, whether, unless, if, etc. (More are listed in your textbook: 438.)

1. I borrowed his car I got in an accident he didn't mind.

2. I borrowed his car I got in an accident he didn't mind.

3. I borrowed his car I got in an accident he didn't mind.

4. I borrowed his car I got in an accident he didn't mind.