A comma splice refers to a sentence error in which two independent clauses are joined by only a comma between them.Here is an example:
The students have prepared thoroughly for the exam, they are not afraid to take it.
Once you have identified a comma splice, you can correct it with the four methods listed below.
Method one: Make the two independent clauses into two separate sentences.Or join the two independent clauses with a semicolon (分號) when the second clause is closely related to the first.
The students have prepared thoroughly for the exam.They are not afraid to take it.
The students have prepared thoroughly for the exam；they are not afraid to take it.
Practice 2-3-1
Correct the following comma splice by making them into two separate sentences, or join the two independent clauses with a semicolon.Answers are provided only as suggestions.
1.The scientist is not a person who gives the right answer, he is the one who asks the right questions.
2.Perseverance is not a long race, it is many short races one after another.
3.The brightness of the sun lifts my spirit, I feel energetic and ready to work.
4.I didn't do it for reward, I did it for love.
5.Child obesity is not just a problem in America, it is now a serious problem around the world.
Method two: Use a comma followed by one of the seven coordinating conjunctions (並列連詞) : and, but, for, yet, so, or , norbetween the two independent clauses.
The students have prepared thoroughly for the exam, so they are not afraid to take it.
Practice 2-3-2
Correct the following comma splice by using a comma followed by one of the seven coordinating conjunctions between the two independent clauses.Answers are provided only as suggestions.
1.When a dog bites a man that is not news, when a man bites a dog that is news.
2.Quitters never win, winners never quit.
3.They were undecided about whether to continue, they had lost their sense of direction.