Comma, Comma, Comma…Chameleon?: Avoiding Comma Splices and Sentence Fragments

1. Comma, Comma, Comma…Chameleon?: Avoiding Comma Splices and Sentence Fragments UWC Writing Workshop Fall 2013

2. Let’s see what’s out there… • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWyrN22Zmuo (courtesy of the Electric Company)

3. Sentence Structure? • What do you know about sentence structure? • What do you think of when you hear “sentence structure?” • Why do you think it is so important? Do you think it is important? • What do you hope to learn/take away form this workshop today?

4. From the Beginning! • What are independent and dependent clauses? • Independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. • Ex.) The crew could see the whale. • Dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. • Ex.) which had surfaced only 50m behind them. • Put both examples together. Does it make sense? Do they fit together nicely?

5. 4 Types of Sentences • To truly understand comma splices and sentence fragments, you must first remember that there are a few different types of sentences. • Simple Sentence: contains one independent clause (a defined subject and verb can be found) • Ex.) I swept the floor. • Compound Sentence: contains two or more independent clauses; can be joined together by a coordinating conjunction • Ex.) I swept the floor, and he cleaned the table.

6. 4 Types of Sentences (cont’d) • Complex Sentence: contains one independent clause plus one or more dependent clause • Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept the floor. • Compound-Complex Sentence: contains two independent clauses and one or more dependent clause • Ex.) When I finished playing the game, I swept the floor, and he cleaned the table. • Remember: In order to use the following sentences correctly in your writing, you must first understand how they are constructed!!

7. Sentence Practice! • Read each sentence carefully and identify what kind of sentence it is. • Robert moved in, and I moved in a month later. • COMPOUND • Sarah found her cat in a tree. • SIMPLE • As I drove the car, Carlos changed the radio station, and he began to dance. • COMPOUND-COMPLEX • Even if I leave early, I will still be late for work. • COMPLEX

8. Now that we understand what a sentence is, we can begin to look at problems that may occur when writing one! Let’s start with… Comma Splices!

9. A Comma Splice is… • When two independent clauses are connected with only a comma • A comma splice happens when you use a comma to join two independent clauses. That’s a no-no in grammar! Commas are used for separating, not connecting.

10. How to Fix a Comma Splice: • Consider the following sentence: • My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. • Is this correct? Why or why not? • NO! There are two independent clauses joined by a comma! • How do we fix it? • Correction #1: Break the sentence into two separate sentences • Correction #2: Add a coordinating conjunction and a comma • Correction #3: Add a subordinating conjunction with a comma

11. Let’s Practice! • The following sentences contain comma splices. For each sentence, suggest two possible revisions. • I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long. • She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding. • My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief.

12. Also, when considering when to use a comma, consult the (comma)ndments!

13. Sentence Fragments… • Fail to be a sentence because they cannot stand alone. They also do not contain even one independent clause. • Sometimes, fragments may be pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. These can be fixed in several ways. • Fragment: Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. • Possible Revision: Purdue offers many majors in engineering, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.

14. Sentence Fragments (cont’d) • Also, remember that some fragments are not clearly pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or main verb. • No Main Verb: A story with deep thoughts and emotions. • Possible Revision:She told a story with deep thoughts and emotions. • No Subject: When the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product. • Possible Revision:The ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product.

15. Let’s Practice! • Read the following sentences and determine whether they are complete sentences or fragments. • While I was driving to work and there was an accident on the road. • Wherever I go, I take my cell phone with me. • As soon as I finish this grammar exercise, I will eat lunch. • Whether I complete this course and get credit for it in the fall. • So that I don’t spend too much time on any of my projects, I make sure I take frequent breaks.

16. Questions? Remember that the UWC is always here to help you! • 678-839-6513 • writing@westga.edu • TLC 1201 (First floor, past the snacks) • www.westga.edu/writing • Like us on Facebook: University Writing Center (UWG)