The Learning Commons

Comma Splices and Fused Sentences

Comma Splices and Fused Sentences are errors that occur when the proper punctuation is left out between two main clauses.

The Problems:

If there is no punctuation at all and no conjunction between the two main clauses, then the error is a fused sentence.

Example: He wanted to improve his writing he worked hard.

If the two sentences are linked with merely a comma, then the error is a comma splice

Example: He wanted to improve his writing, he worked hard.

Notice that in each case the two parts of the sentence are main clauses, clauses that could each stand alone as a separate sentence.

The Solution: One of Three Methods

divide the fused sentence into two separate sentences:

Example: John drove the old Ford to school. He had no trouble on the way.

However, if you limit yourself solely to using simple sentences, then your writing voice may sound monotonous and choppy. Also, the connection between the two ideas is not really clear.

The most common way to punctuate a compound sentence (one that contains two main clauses) is to add both a comma and a coordinating conjunction, following the first main clause in the sentence.

Example: John drove the old Ford to school, but he had no trouble on the way.

The coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Think "fan boys," to help you remember the first letter of these words.

Add just a semicolon or a semicolon and conjunctive adverb. ( see also semicolons).

Example: John drove the old Ford to school; he had no trouble on the way.

Example: John drove the old Ford to school; however, he had no trouble on the way.

Many adverbs can be used as conjunctions. A partial list of these conjunctive adverbs includes however, therefore, nevertheless, moreover, furthermore, thus, instead, then, and consequently.