Two of the most common mistakes in student writing are the run-on sentence and the comma splice.
Run-On Sentences
A run-on sentence is a sentence consisting of two or more clauses which is missing the appropriate punctuation.
Incorrect:
- Paul always tried to go the extra mile at work however he was overlooked for the promotion.
The above sentence is a compound sentence consisting of two independent clauses which must be punctuated.
Corrected:
- Paul always tried to go the extra mile at work; however, he was overlooked for the promotion.
- Paul always tried to go the extra mile at work. However, he was overlooked for the promotion.
Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when a comma is used to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction. This use of the comma is not possible.
Incorrect:
- The band walked on stage, the crowd began to cheer.
When correcting a comma splice, you have several options.
Corrected:
- The band walked on stage, and the crowd began to cheer.
- The band walked on stage. The crowd began to cheer.
- The band walked on stage; the crowd began to cheer.
- As the band walked on stage, the crowd began to cheer.