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Comma Splices and Introductory Clauses/Phrases

What is a Comma Splice?

O A comma splice occurs when a person uses a comma to separate two independent clauses (complete sentences)

O Example: I got up late this morning, I had to skip breakfast in order to get to school on time.

O I got up late this morning and I had to skip breakfast in order to get to school on time are both independent clauses. They can exist on their own as complete sentences.

Some more examples…O My teacher is checking the

homework, I better finish these last few questions.

O I have never been to Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, I hear it is a beautiful sight.

How to fix a comma splice

Solution #1: Use a period to make two separate complete sentences

I have never seen Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. I hear it is a beautiful sight.

How to fix a comma splice

Solution #2: Use a semicolon.

My teacher is checking the homework; I better finish these last few questions.

How to fix a comma splice

Solution #3: Keep the comma and use a coordinating conjunction

FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

I woke up late this morning, so I had to skip breakfast in order to make it to school on time.

How would you fix these sentences?

O My Grandma makes the best cakes, she will not give me the recipe.

O My friends and I went out for dinner, I ordered spaghetti and meatballs.

Using commas with dependent introductory clauses

O An introductory clause provides background information or “set the stage” for the main part of the sentence.

O Example: Because he kept barking insistently, I threw the ball for my dog.

Hints on dependent introductory clauses

O Introductory clauses have a subject and a verbO Because he was barking insistently,

I threw the ball for my dog.

O Often start with if, after, although, as, because, before, since, though, until, when, etc.

Using commas with introductory phrases

O An introductory phrase (at least 2 words) is similar to an introductory clause in that it sets the stage for the main part of the sentence, but it does not have a subject and verb.

O To stay in shape for competitions, athletes need to exercise everyday.

Introductory Clause or Phrase?

O When the singer walked onto the stage, the audience screamed wildly. OHaving stolen the car, the thief sped away from police. O After the rain stopped, a rainbow appeared in the sky. O On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.OTo get there, you must turn right at the stop light.

Watch for these in your future

writing!