Lesson 35 of 46

Run-on sentences and comma splices

Join ideas correctly instead of just adding commas.

The rules

1.Two complete ideas cannot be joined by only a comma (comma splice) or by nothing (run-on).
2.Fix 1: split into two sentences with a period.
3.Fix 2: use a comma plus a conjunction: and, but, so, or.
4.Fix 3: use a semicolon, or make one idea dependent with because, although, or when.

Incorrect: ~~I was tired, I went to bed.~~

Correct: I was tired, so I went to bed.

Comma + conjunction.

Incorrect: ~~The report is ready I will send it.~~

Correct: The report is ready, and I will send it.

Run-on fixed with a conjunction.

Watch out: If each side of the comma could stand alone as a sentence, the comma is not enough.

1. Which is correct?

2. Fix: "She called me I didn't answer."

3. Which uses a semicolon correctly?

Paste any text and see exactly what to fix, with the rule explained.