Comma splices, run-ons, and fused sentences are variations of the same fault in sentence construction. A comma splice (sometimes called a run-on) occurs when you use a comma alone between two independent clauses:

Sabrina studies hard, she receives very good grades.

A fused sentence (also sometimes called a run-on) has no punctuation between two independent clauses:

Sabrina studies hard she receives very good grades.

1. Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, for) to join the independent clauses:

Sabrina studies hard, so she receives very good grades.


2. Use a semicolon to join the independent clauses if they are closely related in thought and if they are equally important:
   
   Sabrina studies hard; she receives very good grades.
   
   
3. Put a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, moreover, nevertheless, then, therefore, thus, consequently-there are many more) in front of, within, or after the second clause. In these cases it is necessary to put a semicolon or period after the first clause:
   
   Sabrina studies hard; therefore, she receives very good grades.
   Sabrina studies hard. Therefore, she receives very good grades.
   Sabrina studies hard. She therefore receives very good grades.
   Sabrina studies hard; she therefore receives very good grades.
   
   
   
4. Subordinate one clause to the other by putting a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, until, when, after, before, unless, while-there are many more) before one of the clauses. If the subordinate clause precedes the independent clause, a comma must follow the subordinate clause. If the subordinate clause follows the independent clause, a comma is usually not necessary:
   
   Because Sabrina studies hard, she receives very good grades.
   Sabrina receives very good grades because she studies hard.
   
   
5. Put a period at the end of the first clause and write the second clause as a separate sentence:
   
   Sabrina studies hard. She receives very good grades.

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Johanna Carter
English Faculty
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Phone:
303-914-6293