Comma Splices

A comma splice is like a run-on sentence. When you make a comma splice, you make two complete sentences into one by putting a comma between them without a connector word. Look at this sentence:

Canada Day came on Thursday this year, next year it will be on Saturday because of the Leap Year.

This sentence is wrong because there is no connecting word to connect the two ideas. The sentence would be correct if it was written like this:

Canada Day came on Thursday this year, and next year it will be on Saturday because of the Leap Year.

Or

Canada Day came on Thursday this year. Next year it will be on Saturday because of the Leap Year.

If you're not listing things or describing someone or something and you're not sure whether or not to use a comma, be safe and make your sentence into two shorter sentences.

Exercise 5

Look at these comma splices. Fix the sentences and rewrite them on your computer
Remember, there are two ways to fix each sentence.

1. I roomed with a man that was tough, he was short but very strong.

2. A cavity is a hole in the tooth, it starts small.

3. I liked seeing the tall mountains and trees, this was a special part of my trip.

4. Bernie made pancakes, we went swimming behind the dam.

5. Bernie's sister's name is Theresa, she made us a beautiful dinner.