Run-ons and comma splices — Digital SAT Reading & Writing practice
Two independent clauses that are joined incorrectly.
Key ideas to know
Fixing Fused Sentences
The coach ran the drills the players improved their stamina. Choose the correct fix: A) ...drills, the... B) ...drills; the... C) ...drills and the... D) Both B and C
D. A fused sentence joins two independent clauses with no punctuation or conjunction. You must add a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus FANBOYS to separate them properly.
Watch out: Adding only a comma creates a comma splice instead of fixing the run-on.
Identifying Comma Splices
The team practiced daily, they won the championship. What is wrong with this sentence and how do you fix it?
It is a comma splice because only a comma joins two independent clauses. Fix it by replacing the comma with a semicolon, a period, or a comma plus FANBOYS (so, but, for).
Watch out: Thinking that any comma between two complete thoughts is acceptable because they are closely related.
Choosing the Right Boundary
When repairing a sentence boundary error between two independent clauses, which of the following methods is NEVER correct? A) Period B) Semicolon C) Comma alone D) Comma plus FANBOYS
C. A comma alone cannot join two independent clauses. The four valid fixes are a period, a semicolon, a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), or making one clause dependent.
Watch out: Using a subordinating conjunction without removing the comma to create a dependent clause.
Conjunctive Adverb Traps
The data was incomplete, however, the report was submitted on time. What error exists here and how do you correct it?
It is a comma splice. Words like however, therefore, and moreover are not conjunctions. You must place a semicolon before them and a comma after (e.g., ; however,).
Watch out: Treating conjunctive adverbs like FANBOYS and using only a comma to join clauses.
The Stand-Alone Test
Use the stand-alone test on this sentence: The wind howled the branches snapped. What does it reveal and what is the correct punctuation?
Both sides can stand alone as complete sentences, so they are independent clauses. You must separate them with a period or semicolon, or add a comma plus FANBOYS.
Watch out: Assuming short clauses do not need strong punctuation because they feel like one idea.