Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences

Sometimes two Independent clauses (simple sentences) can be joined to form

another kind of sentence: the Compound sentence.

Two major errors can occur when constructing compound sentences.

Error #1: The Comma Splice

Writers make this error when they try to separate the two independent clauses in
a compound sentence with a comma alone.

A comma is not a strong enough punctuation mark to separate the two

independent clauses by itself; thus, using it causes the clauses to be spliced
together.

Example of a comma splice:

This sentence can be repaired in three ways:

1. by adding an appropriate coordinating conjunction

2. by changing the comma to a semicolon

3. by changing the punctuation and adding an appropriate conjunctive adverb

Error #2: The Fused Sentence

Writers make this error by joining two independent clauses into a compound
sentence without using any punctuation between them.

No punctuation between the two independent clauses causes them to "fuse" into
an INCORRECT compound sentence.

Example of a fused sentence:

This sentence is also repaired in three ways:

1. by adding a comma and an appropriate coordinating conjunction

2. by placing a semicolon between the two clauses

3. by adding the needed punctuation and an appropriate conjunctive adverb

Another way to repair a comma splice or fused sentence is to make each
independent clause into a simple sentence.