Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Comma splices are similar to run-on sentences, which join two independent clauses without any punctuation or a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, for, etc. Sometimes the two types of sentences are treated differently based on the presence or absence of a comma, but most writers consider the comma splice a special type of run-on sentence ...
In the following example sentences, independent clauses are underlined, and conjunctions are in bold. Single independent clauses: I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone. My favourite flavour is chocolate. Let's go to the shop. Multiple independent clauses: I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone; my favourite flavour is chocolate.
While some sources view comma splices as a form of run-on sentences, [11] others limit the term to independent clauses that are joined without punctuation. [ 10 ] [ 13 ] Per The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language , the term "run-on sentence" is also used for "a very long sentence, especially one lacking order or coherence".
The comma can be left out without changing the meaning. There are several variations of this sentence pattern, although they do not work as smoothly as the original. Dutch language shares this same example, with the noticeable difference of not capitalising the initials of nouns, making it " Als achter vliegen vliegen vliegen, vliegen vliegen ...
A comma between clauses may change the connotation, reducing or eliminating ambiguity. In the following examples, the thing in the first sentence that is very relaxing is the cool day, whereas in the second sentence it is the walk, since the introduction of commas makes "on a cool day" parenthetical:
Part of understanding what is a comma splice is understanding what isn't a comma splice. I agree the wording and title could use a tweak per WP:NOTHOWTO, but the article is less informative and incomplete if it doesn't provide alternative sentence forms that are not comma splices. Adrian J. Hunter (talk•contribs) 03:34, 31 March 2017 (UTC)
The comma-free approach is often used with partial quotations: The report observed "a 45% reduction in transmission rate". A comma is required when it would be present in the same construction if none of the material were a quotation: In Margaret Mead's view, "we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities" to enrich our culture.
The serial comma (for example the comma before and in "ham, chips, and eggs") is optional; be sensitive to possible ambiguity from thoughtless use or thoughtless avoidance. read more ... Avoid comma splices. read more ... Picture captions should not end in a full stop (a period) unless they are complete sentences. read more ...