This document discusses how to identify and correct run-on sentences and comma splices. It defines run-on sentences as independent clauses that have not been joined correctly, often with a fused sentence error. Comma splices incorrectly use only a comma to join two independent clauses. The document provides examples and steps for identifying and correcting both issues, including using coordinating conjunctions with commas or semicolons alone to properly separate independent clauses.

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2. CHAPTER 17: AVOIDING RUN-ON SENTENCES AND COMMA SPLICES
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3. CHAPTER OUTLINE AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In this chapter, you will learn to:
 recognize and correct run-on sentences and comma
splices.
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4. RUN-ON SENTENCES
 Run-on sentences are independent clauses that have
not been joined correctly.
 This error is called a fused sentence.
 Examples
 Run-on: Carol cleans her kitchen every week she
shines every pot and pan.
 Correct: Carol cleans her kitchen every week;
she shines every pot and pan.
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5. RUN ON SENTENCES
 Steps for Correcting Run-On Sentences
1. Check for two independent clauses.
2. Check that the clauses are separated by either a
coordinating conjunction and a comma or by a
semicolon.
3. Run-on: I studied for the test all weekend I am well
prepared for it.
4. Correct: I studied for the test all weekend, so I am
well prepared for it.
(Turn to pg. 417 do exercise 1)

6. COMMA SPLICES
 A comma splice is an error that occurs when you
punctuate with a comma but should use a semicolon
instead.
 If you are joining two independent clauses without
a coordinating conjunction you must use a
semicolon.
 In this instance, a comma is not enough.
 Correcting Comma Splices
 Two steps to follow:
1. Check for two independent clauses.
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7. COMMA SPLICES
2. Check that the clauses are separated by a
coordinating conjunction. If they are, then a
comma in front of the coordinating conjunction
is sufficient. If they are not separated by a
coordinating conjunction, you have a comma
splice. Correct it by changing the comma to a
semicolon.
(Turn to pg. 419 Do exercise 2)
Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.

8. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS A RUN-ON SENTENCE?
A. I studied for the test all weekend I am well
prepared for it.
B. I studied for the test all weekend. I am well
prepared for it.
C. I studied for the test all weekend; I am well
prepared for it.
D. I studied for the test all weekend, and I am well
prepared for it.
Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.

9. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS A RUN-ON SENTENCE?
A. I studied for the test all weekend I am well
prepared for it.
B. I studied for the test all weekend. I am well
prepared for it.
C. I studied for the test all weekend; I am well
prepared for it.
D. I studied for the test all weekend, and I am well
prepared for it.
Recognize and correct run-on sentences and comma
splices.
Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.

10. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES CONTAINS
A COMMA SPLICE?
A. The classroom was packed, we couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.
B. The classroom was packed; we couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.
C. The classroom was packed: we couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.
D. The classroom was packed. We couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.

11. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES CONTAINS
A COMMA SPLICE?
A. The classroom was packed, we couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.
B. The classroom was packed; we couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.
C. The classroom was packed: we couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.
D. The classroom was packed. We couldn’t find a seat
anywhere.
Recognize and correct run-on sentences and comma splices.