Download
1 / 12
120 likes | 274 Views
Let’s Improve O ur W riting!. Comma Splices and Introductory Clauses/Phrases. What is a Comma Splice?. A comma splice occurs when a person uses a comma to separate two independent clauses (complete sentences)
E N D
Let’s Improve Our Writing! Comma Splices and Introductory Clauses/Phrases
What is a Comma Splice? • A comma splice occurs when a person uses a comma to separate two independent clauses (complete sentences) • Example: I got up late this morning, I had to skip breakfast in order to get to school on time. • I got up late this morning and I had to skip breakfast in order to get to school on time are both independent clauses. They can exist on their own as complete sentences.
Some more examples… • My teacher is checking the homework, I better finish these last few questions. • I have never been to Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, I hear it is a beautiful sight.
How to fix a comma splice Solution #1: Use a period to make two separate complete sentences I have never seen Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. I hear it is a beautiful sight.
How to fix a comma splice Solution #2: Use a semicolon. My teacher is checking the homework; I better finish these last few questions.
How to fix a comma splice Solution #3: Keep thecomma and use a coordinating conjunction FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so I woke up late this morning, so I had to skip breakfast in order to make it to school on time.
How would you fix these sentences? • My Grandma makes the best cakes, she will not give me the recipe. • My friends and I went out for dinner, I ordered spaghetti and meatballs.
Using commas with dependent introductory clauses • An introductory clause provides background information or “set the stage” for the main part of the sentence. • Example: Because he kept barking insistently, I threw the ball for my dog.
Hints on dependent introductory clauses • Introductory clauses have a subject and a verb • Because he was barking insistently, I threw the ball for my dog. • Often start with if, after, although, as, because, before, since, though, until, when, etc.
Using commas with introductory phrases • An introductory phrase (at least 2 words) is similar to an introductory clause in that it sets the stage for the main part of the sentence, but it does not have a subject and verb. • To stay in shape for competitions, athletes need to exercise everyday.
Introductory Clause or Phrase? • When the singer walked onto the stage, the audience screamed wildly. • Having stolen the car, the thief sped away from police. • After the rain stopped, a rainbow appeared in the sky. • On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. • To get there, you must turn right at the stop light.
