Comma Splices

Definition: A comma splice occurs when two or more independent clauses are connected with only a comma.

1		Good employees know that punctuality is an invaluable characteristic, it separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
			A)	Good employees know that punctuality is an invaluable characteristic it separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
			B)	Good employees know that punctuality is an invaluable characteristic; it separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
			C)	Punctuality is an invaluable characteristic, good employees know that it separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
			D)	Good employees know that punctuality is an invaluable characteristic; because, it separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
2		A bright yellow Volkswagen pulled up beside me, it looked like a deviled egg on wheels.
			A)	A bright yellow Volkswagen pulled up beside me; it looked like a deviled egg on wheels.
			B)	A bright yellow Volkswagen pulled up beside me moreover it looked like a deviled egg on wheels.
			C)	A bright yellow Volkswagen pulled up beside me, moreover it looked like a deviled egg on wheels.
			D)	A bright yellow Volkswagen pulled up beside me; and it looked like a deviled egg on wheels.
3		Rita decided to quit smoking, however, she discovered that quitting was not as easy as she had thought.
			A)	Rita decided to quit smoking, however; she discovered that quitting was not as easy as she had thought.
			B)	When Rita decided to quit smoking she discovered that quitting was not as easy as she had thought.
			C)	Rita decided to quit smoking: however, she discovered that quitting was not as easy as she had thought.
			D)	Rita decided to quit smoking; however, she discovered that quitting was not as easy as she had thought.
4		Their relationship was rocky, they fought constantly.
			A)	Their relationship was rocky; and they fought constantly.
			B)	Their relationship was rocky because: they fought constantly.
			C)	Their relationship was rocky; they fought constantly.
			D)	Their relationship was rocky; and, they fought constantly.
5		Although the right to marry is seldom denied, it seems that a divorce is not always so easy to obtain.
			A)	Although the right to marry is seldom denied: it seems that a divorce is not always so easy to obtain.
			B)	Although the right to marry is seldom denied, it seems that a divorce is not always so easy to obtain.
			C)	Although the right to marry is seldom denied; it seems that a divorce is not always so easy to obtain.
			D)	Although the right to marry is seldom denied. It seems that a divorce is not always so easy to obtain.
6		Our plan seemed to work perfectly, they were truly surprised when they walked through the door.
			A)	Our plan seemed to work perfectly. Because they were truly surprised when they walked through the door.
			B)	Our plan seemed to work perfectly. They were truly surprised when they walked through the door.
			C)	Our plan seemed to work perfectly, they were truly surprised when they walked through the door.
			D)	Our plan seemed to work perfectly; because, they were truly surprised when they walked through the door.
7		Edit this passage to correct comma splices by choosing the correct revisions from the alternatives offered below each of the numbered exercises. The numbers in brackets [ ] identify each sentence. Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentences [1] and [2]?
			A)	Not only do teenagers not read many books for pleasure, but they also often do everything they can to avoid having to read anything at all, even for school. At the bookstore where I work, a throng of high school students comes in every day to buy Cliff Notes.
			B)	Not only do teenagers not read many books for pleasure. But they also often do everything they can to avoid having to read anything at all. Even for school. At the bookstore where I work, a throng of high school students comes in every day to buy Cliff Notes.
			C)	Not only do teenagers not read many books for pleasure; but, they also often do everything they can to avoid having to read anything at all even for school. At the bookstore where I work, a throng of high school students comes in every day to buy Cliff Notes.
8		Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentence [3]? Show sentences again.
			A)	Buying Cliff Notes for a book that is long and confusing may be understandable, but the books for which these teenagers are buying them, however, are short, simple, entertaining ones, such as The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Of Mice and Men.
			B)	Buying Cliff Notes for a book that is long and confusing may be understandable, the books for which these teenagers are buying them; however, are short, simple, entertaining ones, such as The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Of Mice and Men.
			C)	Buying Cliff Notes for a book that is long and confusing may be understandable. The books for which these teenagers are buying them, however, are short, simple, entertaining ones, such as The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Of Mice and Men.
9		Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentences [4], [5], and [6]? Show sentences again.
			A)	If teenagers cannot make it through these books, how can they possibly read academic material for school projects and research papers? The answer is that they don't have to. The advent of the Internet has allowed them to avoid most of that kind of reading. Don't misunderstand me; the Internet is a wonderful research tool.
			B)	If teenagers cannot make it through these books, how can they possibly read academic material for school projects and research papers? The answer is that they don't have to, the advent of the Internet has allowed them to avoid most of that kind of reading; don't misunderstand me, the Internet is a wonderful research tool.
			C)	If teenagers cannot make it through these books, how can they possibly read academic material for school projects and research papers? The answer is that they don't have to, the advent of the Internet has allowed them to avoid most of that kind of reading. Don't misunderstand me, the Internet is a wonderful research tool.
10		Which one of the following editing choices corrects sentences [7] and [8]? Show sentences again.
			A)	The problem is that when it is time to do research, the Internet is the only source from which many students derive their information, using only the Internet can be a problem because the small, neatly packaged bits of information often do not show the big picture of a topic; they are also not always from reliable sources. If teenagers would read books, they would be able to combine what they learn from the Internet with information from the books. And gain comprehensive knowledge about a subject.
			B)	The problem is that when it is time to do research, the Internet is the only source from which many students derive their information. Using only the Internet can be a problem because the small, neatly packaged bits of information often do not show the big picture of a topic. They are also not always from reliable sources. If teenagers would read books, they would be able to combine what they learn from the Internet with information from the books and gain comprehensive knowledge about a subject.
			C)	The problem is that when it is time to do research, the Internet is the only source from which many students derive their information; using only the Internet can be a problem because the small, neatly packaged bits of information often do not show the big picture of a topic; they are also not always from reliable sources. If teenagers would read books, they would be able to combine what they learn from the Internet with information from the books and gain comprehensive knowledge about a subject.