Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices
Need to Know: Independent Clauses vs Dependent Clauses
Independent clause = contains a noun (subject) and verb (predicate)
*can be a complete sentence Example: "the tattoo artist (noun) loved (verb) his dog" |
Dependent clause = contains either a noun (subject) or verb (predicate), but not both
*can NOT be a complete sentence Example: "hated (verb) his cat" |
We combine clauses, both independent and dependent, with conjunctions (ex: and, but, or). You only need a comma when you combine two independent clauses with a conjunction. If one clause is independent and the other is dependent, no comma is needed.
For example:
"The tattoo artist loved his dog but hated his cat."
independent clause + conjunction + dependent clause = NO COMMA
"The tattoo artist loved his dog, but he hated his cat." ----- > Adding he to "hated his cat" makes the clause independent
independent clause + conjunction + independent clause = COMMA!!!
For example:
"The tattoo artist loved his dog but hated his cat."
independent clause + conjunction + dependent clause = NO COMMA
"The tattoo artist loved his dog, but he hated his cat." ----- > Adding he to "hated his cat" makes the clause independent
independent clause + conjunction + independent clause = COMMA!!!
Pretty simple, but what would happen if these commas and conjunctions weren't in the sentences?
The tattoo artist loved his dog he hated his cat.
Furthermore, watch what happens when the sentences and clauses get more complex:
The talented grumpy tattoo artist always had a soft spot for his dog he hated the way his cat would follow him around his house when he wanted some alone time.
Commas, conjunctions, and clauses all exist to make our writing more clear and easier to read. They break our thoughts into smaller pieces, clarify the sentences' meanings, and make it much nicer for writing to be read out loud. (Pro tip: a good way to test your writing for comma usage is to read it out loud. If you're running out of breath a lot, it's time to take a second look.)
The tattoo artist loved his dog he hated his cat.
Furthermore, watch what happens when the sentences and clauses get more complex:
The talented grumpy tattoo artist always had a soft spot for his dog he hated the way his cat would follow him around his house when he wanted some alone time.
Commas, conjunctions, and clauses all exist to make our writing more clear and easier to read. They break our thoughts into smaller pieces, clarify the sentences' meanings, and make it much nicer for writing to be read out loud. (Pro tip: a good way to test your writing for comma usage is to read it out loud. If you're running out of breath a lot, it's time to take a second look.)
How To Fix These
When you encounter a run-on sentence or comma splice, you have multiple options to fix it.
1. Add the necessary comma and conjunction.
Batman slapped Robin across the face he yelled at him too. INCORRECT
Batman slapped Robin across the face, and he yelled at him too. CORRECT
Batman slapped Robin across the face he yelled at him too. INCORRECT
Batman slapped Robin across the face, and he yelled at him too. CORRECT
2. Break the sentence into two smaller sentences.
Batman slapped Robin across the face he yelled at him too. INCORRECT
Batman slapped Robin across the face. He yelled at him too. CORRECT
3. Use a semicolon to replace the missing comma and conjunction.
Batman slapped Robin across the face he yelled at him too. INCORRECT
Batman slapped Robin across the face; he yelled at him too. CORRECT
Activity
Students will be divided into groups of three. Each group will receive a slip of register paper that features a very long sentence that lacks punctuation. Their job will be to decipher the sentence and work as a group to add the correct punctuation. Students may add commas, conjunctions, or semicolons. They will also be given a pair of scissors in case they choose to divide the sentence into multiple parts. The first group to correctly repair their "sentence" wins!
(This activity was inspired by the one found at http://deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com/2013/03/run-on-repair-grammar-activity.html) |