Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences

When building compound sentences there are two errors that can occur.

• This is when writers try to separate the two simple sentences in a compound sentence with only a comma.
  • A comma isn’t effective enough as a punctuation mark to efficiently separate two simple sentences alone.

• This is when writers join two simple sentences together without using any punctuation between them.
  • This causes a “fuse” and creates an incorrect compound sentence.

Three ways to fix a fused sentence and a comma splice:

1. Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction that fits well.
   • Example: Jessica went to the mall her mom went to get her hair done.
   • Why is it incorrect?
     • There are no punctuation marks separating the sentences.
   • Correction: Jessica went to the mall, and her mom went to get her hair done.


2. Place a semicolon between the two simple sentences.
   • Example: Jessica went to the mall, her mom went to get her hair done.
   • Why is it incorrect?
     • The comma is at an awkward spot, and it disrupts the flow of the sentence.
   • Correction: Jessica went to the mall; her mom went to get her hair done.


3. Add the necessary punctuation and conjunctive adverb.
   • Example: Jessica went to the mall her mom went to get her hair done.
   • Why is it incorrect?
     • There are no punctuation marks separating the sentences.
   • Correction: Jessica went to the mall, and her mom went to get her hair done.