Rules for FixingComma Splices and Fused Sentences

Understand the problem.

What are comma splices and fused sentences? They are problem sentences that contain two or more main clauses incorrectly joined together. Main clauses, remember, contain an independent subject and verb, so they can stand alone as complete sentences.

A comma splice incorrectly joins two main clauses with a comma, like this:

MAIN CLAUSE + , + MAIN CLAUSE =

A fused sentence has two main clauses joined with no punctuation at all, like this:

MAIN CLAUSE + no punctuation + MAIN CLAUSE =

Know the solution.

To fix a comma splice or fused sentence, use one of the four strategies below.

Rule #1 - Make two complete sentences.

Because comma splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period (a full stop) at the end of the first clause and then begin the second one with a capital letter. Take a look at the fused sentence below:

My eighty-one-year-old grandmother still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

A break should occur between motorcycle and her. To fix the problem with Rule #1, you would revise the sentence like this:

My eighty-one-year-old grandmother still rides her Harley motorcycle. Her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

Rule #2 - Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions. Some students remember the seven by learning the word fanboys. Each of the seven letters of fanboys stands for one of the coordinating conjunctions.

F = for | A = and | N = nor | B = but | O = or | Y = yet | S = so

These seven coordinating conjunctions, teamed up with a comma, can correctly join two main clauses. Take a look at our original example:

My eighty-one-year-old grandmother still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

To fix the problem with Rule #2, you should do this:

My eighty-one-year-old grandmother still rides her Harley motorcycle, and her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

The important thing to remember with Rule #2 is that you must use a coordinating conjunction that logically joins the two complete sentences. The coordinating conjunction but, for example, wouldn't work in the example above because the writer isn't showing contrast.

Rule #3 - Use a semicolon.

Unlike a comma, a semicolon is a strong enough mark of punctuation to join two main clauses. Use a semicolon like this:

My eighty-one-year-old grandmother still rides her Harley motorcycle; her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

Keep these three things in mind when you use a semicolon:

• The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning.

• Don't capitalize the word that follows the semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one that is always capitalized.

• Limit your use of semicolons; you should not scatter them wantonly throughout your writing. Semicolons are like orchids; save them for special occasions.

Rule #4 - Use a subordinate conjunction.

When you are fixing a comma splice or fused sentence, subordinate conjunctions can be the most tricky to use. There are two reasons that subordinate conjunctions are tricky: 1) there are many subordinate conjunctions to choose from, and 2) you must use the right punctuation. For those who are not faint of heart, here are the things to keep in mind.

First, know your subordinate conjunctions. Here is a list of them:

Next, keep these general rules in mind:

MAIN CLAUSE + no punctuation + SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

SUBORDINATE CLAUSE + , + MAIN CLAUSE

Now take a look at the original problem sentence:

My eighty-one-year-old grandmother still rides her Harley motorcycle her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

To fix the sentence with Rule #4, you could do something like these two examples:

While my eighty-one-year-old grandmother rides her Harley motorcycle, her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

My eighty-one-year-old grandmother rides her Harley motorcycle as her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

A good writer will fix problem sentences using all four strategies: adding a period and a capital letter, using a comma and a conjunction, joining the two main clauses with a semicolon, or subordinating one of the parts with a subordinate conjunction.

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Copyright (C)1999 by Ed Reber. All rights reserved.This document may be distributed as long as it is done entirely with all attributions to organizations and authors. Commercial distribution is strictly prohibited. Portions of this document may be copyrighted by other organizations.