Score: _____                          Comma Splice: Practice 1                    Name: _______________________

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma.  Example: We hiked in the Blue Ridge Mountains for three weeks, we were very tired.  Three Ways to Correct Comma Splices are 1. Change the comma to a period and capitalize the next word. Correct: We hiked in the Blue Ridge Mountains for three weeks. We were very tired.  2. Change the comma to a semicolon. Correct: We hiked in the Blue Ridge Mountains for three weeks; we were very tired.  3. Add a coordinating conjunction before the second independent clause. Coordinating conjunctions: and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet.  Correct: We hiked in the Blue Ridge Mountains for three weeks, so we were very tired.  Caution: Don't simply delete the comma; this will create a run-on or fused sentence.

Directions: For each sentence below, write S if the sentence is a comma splice or C if the sentence is correct.

____ 1. My apartment is too small, I have no room for my treadmill and exercise bike.

____ 2. I'm exhausted, however, I will go to school anyway.

____ 3. Tom opened his freezer, then he noticed that two cans of beer had exploded.

____ 4. Although I understand the definition, comma splices still confuse me.

____ 5. A comma splice occurs when two complete sentences are joined only by a comma, I need to remember that rule.

____ 6. It's means "it is" or "it has," its' is always incorrect.

____ 7. I hiked for five hours yesterday, consequently I am too tired to go hiking again today.

____ 8. For example, I like to read suspense novels, email my friends, and play cards with my daughter.

____ 9. My son Geoffrey plays drums in band called Talent Scam, and he likes to surf at Playland Beach.

____10. Some people value money and material possessions, others value love and family.