Comma Splices Name ________________________
You can vastly improve your writing by avoiding comma splices. First, recognize what a comma
splice is. A comma splice results when two sentences are incorrectly joined or spliced together
with a comma. Comma splices can be repaired by (a) adding a conjunction, (b) separating into
two sentences, or (c) changing the comma to a semicolon.
Comma Splice: Mark supervises shipping, Greta controls invoicing.
Revisions: Mark supervises shipping, and Greta controls invoicing. (Add a conjunction.)
Mark supervises shipping; however, Greta controls invoicing. (Add a conjunctive
adverb.)
Mark supervises shipping. Greta controls invoicing. (Separate into two
sentences.)
Mark supervises shipping; Greta controls invoicing. (Change comma to
semicolon.)
___________________________________________________________________________
Try your skill at revising the following sentences to avoid comma splices. If a sentence is correct,
mark it C. Hint: Three sentences are correct.
1. I’m not looking for the perfect job, I just want one to get started.
2. We can help you develop your online résumé, visit us at www.Resume.org.
7. Being on time is important in North America, in other countries it is less important.
8. Although an interviewer usually asks most of the questions, the candidate should also be ready
with questions.
9. I was really upset, my computer crashed before I could save my work.
10. We had a great team on our project, we got along well and finished on time.
Key
Shown here is one possible revision for each sentence. Other revisions may also be correct.
1. I’m not looking for the perfect job. I just want one to get started.
2. We can help you develop your online résumé; visit us at www.Resume.org.
7. Being on time is important in North America, but in other countries it is less important.
8. Although an interviewer usually asks most of the questions, the candidate should also be ready
with questions. [Correct.]
9. I was really upset; my computer crashed before I could save my work.