Page 672 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Comma Splice

Another type of run-on is called a comma splice because two

independent clauses are spliced, or joined, with a comma.

Brittany knew her research paper was due the next day, she

could not push herself to work on it.

The first step toward writing paragraphs and essays that are free of

run-on sentences is to learn to recognize run-ons and comma splices.

When you see a sentence that you believe is a run-on, test it. Read

the first part. Is it a sentence that could stand alone? If your answer is
yes, read the second part, asking the same question. If your answer is

again yes, the sentence is probably a run-on.

Practice 15-1 Recognizing Run-ons and

Comma Splices

In each sentence, underline the spot where the run-on occurs. Mark
RO in the blank to the left of the sentence if the sentence is a run-on

(fused sentence) and CS if it is a comma splice.

1. An old, bent woman trudged alongside the busy

highway she wore several layers of clothing and pushed a
shopping cart laden with her belongings.