OPTION 1: Use a subordinating conjunction after the independent clause Structuring Sentences with Dependent Clauses To form a grammatically correct sentence, a comma should be followed by a coordinating conjunction or changed into a semi-colon. It incorrectly joins two clauses with a comma only. It is difficult to distinguish the two ideas, and the reader might be confused about the meaning of the sentence.Ī comma splice mistake can be seen in our second example ( The data are inconclusive, the researchers will repeat the experiment). Our first example sentence at the beginning of the handout ( The data are inconclusive the researchers will repeat their experiment) illustrates this problem. We structure coordinating clauses in these ways to avoid creating run-on sentences and comma splices.Ī run-on sentence is a mistake that occurs when two independent clauses are combined without using any conjunctive words or punctuation marks. OPTION 3: Use a semicolon, transition word, and commaĮxample: The article was published in a peer-reviewed journal therefore, it is a credible source. OPTION 1:Use a comma and a coordinating conjunctionĮxample: The article was published in a peer-reviewed journal, soit is a credible source.Įxample: The article was published in a peer-reviewed journa l it is a credible source. Structuring Sentences with Independent Clauses We use different conjunctive words and punctuation to connect these different types of clauses. There are two kinds of clauses: independent clauses, which convey complete meaning and can stand alone as simple sentences, and dependent clauses, which do not express a complete idea on their own and must be paired with another clause. In this handout, you will learn about different ways of combining clauses, and how to avoid comma splice, run-on, and fragment mistakes.Ī clause is defined as a word grouping that contains a subject and a verb. If these words and punctuation marks are used incorrectly, sentence structure problems can occur, as illustrated in the three examples above. We can link clauses with conjunctives, or words that illustrate the meaning between two clauses. In academic writing, we often combine clauses to express complex ideas within one sentence. *The data are inconclusive, the researchers will repeat the experiment. *The data are inconclusive the researchers will repeat their experiment. Word Order in Statements with Embedded QuestionsĬombining Clauses to Avoid Comma Splices, Run-ons, and Fragments.Using Reduced Relative Clauses to Write Concisely. The Three Common Tenses Used in Academic Writing.Same Form, but Different Functions: Various Meanings of Verb+ing and Verb+ed.Reducing Informality in Academic Writing.Improving Cohesion: The "Known/New Contract".Combining Clauses to Avoid Comma Splices, Run-ons, and Fragments.Choosing Between Infinitive and Gerund: “To do” or “doing”?.
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