Fused Sentences and Comma Splices

An overview of comma splices and fused sentences

1. Fused Sentences &
Comma Splices

2. Run-On Sentences
A run-on sentence is a sentence that contains two
improperly joined sentences (independent clauses).
There are two types of Run-On Sentences:
Fused Sentences
Comma Splices

3. Fused Sentences
A fused sentence occurs when two
sentences are joined without any
punctuation.
Incorrect: Some students think they can study for an
important exam by “cramming” all night they are probably
wrong.

4. Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when two
sentences are joined with only a comma.
Incorrect: The teacher told the students to complete the
section on comma splices, she also told them to compose a
five-page essay.

5. Five Ways to Correct Run-on
Sentences.
Add a period
Use a semicolon
Use a comma and a FANBOYS
Add a subordinating conjunction
Rewrite the sentence

6. Add a period
Miranda was the lead vocalist in her
band it was a punk rock band.
Miranda was the lead vocalist in her
band. It was a punk rock band.

7. Use a semicolon
Some students think they can study for
an important exam by “cramming”
all night they are probably wrong.
Some students think they can study for
an important exam by “cramming” all
night; they are probably wrong.

8. Use a comma and a FANBOYS
I went to the library to do some
research then I went to my dorm
room to write the paper.
I went to the library to do some
research, and then I went to my dorm
room to write the paper.
FANBOYS are also known as coordinating conjunctions;
FANBOYS stand for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So,

9. Add a subordinating conjunction
Georgia likes yoga Paulina does not.
Although Georgia likes yoga, Paulina
does not.
Some common subordinating conjunctions: after, although,
before, unless, as, because, even though, if, since, until,
when, while.

10. Rewrite the sentence
Ninjas are known for their stealth they
are also known for their ability to be
shadowlike.
Ninjas are known for their stealth and
their ability to be shadowlike.

11. Are the following comma splices or fused
sentences? How would we fix them?
Plastic surgery costs are decreasing, the number
of people having it are increasing.
My cat, Bella, loves to eat salmon Baby, on the
other hand, does not.
Bruce Campbell is one of my favorite actors his
best film is Evil Dead.
The air quality today is poor, we should all stay
inside.
Comic-Con is one of the best events ever
unfortunately, it’s also one of the most crowded.