Sentence boundaries: run-ons, comma splices, fragments
The 2017 report flagged faulty sentence structure. Long sentences joined by commas are the main cause.
Rules with examples
Two complete sentences cannot be joined by a comma alone (comma splice).
Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, thus) cannot join sentences with a comma.
A fragment lacks a subject or a main verb. 'Because...', 'Which...', 'Especially...' clauses cannot stand alone.
Keep sentences under about 35 words. Split long sentences at natural joints.
Sentence boundaries: run-ons, comma splices, fragments: exercises with answers
- The plan failed, the funds were misused.
- The plan failed; the funds were misused.
- The plan failed, however the funds were misused.
- The plan failed the funds were misused.
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The plan failed; the funds were misused. — A semicolon can join two related sentences.
- Water is scarce.
- Because the canals leak.
- The canals leak, so water is lost.
- Water is lost because the canals leak.
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Because the canals leak. — A 'because' clause cannot stand alone.
- Exports fell, therefore the rupee weakened.
- Exports fell therefore, the rupee weakened.
- Exports fell; therefore, the rupee weakened.
- Exports fell, therefore, the rupee weakened.
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Exports fell; therefore, the rupee weakened. — Semicolon before, comma after.
- Population is growing, resources, are shrinking.
- Population is growing while resources are shrinking.
- Population is growing. And resources shrinking.
- Population growing, resources shrinking.
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Population is growing while resources are shrinking. — A subordinating conjunction joins the clauses and shows the relationship.
- The state must act.
- Reform is overdue.
- Which is why reform is urgent.
- Reform is urgent.
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Which is why reform is urgent. — 'Which is why...' needs a main clause before it.
Correct these sentences
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✓ The economy is weak, so the government is borrowing more.
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✓ Education is important; however, its budget is only a small share of GDP.
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✓ There are many reasons for this, such as corruption and weak institutions.
Studied in Week 5 alongside Module 5: Outline engineering.
Frequently asked questions
What is a comma splice?
Two independent clauses joined only by a comma, such as 'Inflation is rising, the poor are suffering.'