Fixing Comma Splices: Techniques and Tips

This video tutorial from Sparkle English focuses on understanding and correcting comma splices. It explains what comma splices are, how they occur when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma, and provides three methods to fix them: using conjunctions, semicolons, or making separate sentences. The tutorial includes examples and practice exercises to help viewers identify and correct comma splices effectively.

What is a comma splice?

• A comma used before a conjunction.

• A comma incorrectly joining two independent clauses.

• A comma used to end a sentence.

• A comma used to separate items in a list.

Which of the following is an independent clause?

• I am really tired today.

• If you go to the store.

• Although it was raining.

• Because I couldn't sleep last night.

How can you fix a comma splice?

• By adding a conjunction.

• By removing the comma.

• By adding an exclamation mark.

• By using a colon.

When is it appropriate to use a semicolon?

• To join two independent clauses that are closely related.

• To introduce a list.

• To end a sentence.

• To separate items in a list.

Which of the following sentences contains a comma splice?

• I am really tired today, I don't want to go to work.

• I am really tired today; I don't want to go to work.

• I am really tired today. I don't want to go to work.

• I am really tired today, and I don't want to go to work.

How can you correct the sentence: 'Tomatoes aren't actually vegetables, they are fruit'?

• By adding a conjunction.

• By removing the comma.

• By adding an exclamation mark.

• By using a semicolon.

Which conjunction can be used to fix the comma splice in: 'I don't like most seafood, I like sushi'?

• But

• And

• So

• Or

What is the correct way to fix the sentence: 'I go to the gym every day, what are you doing tomorrow'?

• By adding an exclamation mark.

• By adding a conjunction.

• By using a semicolon.

• By changing the comma to a period.

Which of the following sentences is correct?

• She is really fun, I want to be her friend.

• She is really fun; I want to be her friend.

• She is really fun. I want to be her friend.

• She is really fun, so I want to be her friend.

What should you do if you see two independent clauses connected by a comma?

• Add a conjunction.

• Leave it as it is.

• Either add a conjunction, use a semicolon, or make two separate sentences.

• Use a semicolon.