ACT Preparation / Unit 1 ACT 0015 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Five Ways to Fix a Comma Splice
The idea
A comma splice or a run-on has five repairs, and each produces a correct sentence. One: add a coordinating conjunction after the comma. Two: make two sentences with a period. Three: replace the comma with a semicolon. Four: use a semicolon, a transitional word and a comma. Five: turn one clause into a subordinate clause. All five are grammatical; the right one depends on how the ideas relate.
In practice
Worked example: "The printer jammed, the report was late." One: "The printer jammed, so the report was late." Two: "The printer jammed. The report was late." Three: "The printer jammed; the report was late." Four: "The printer jammed; as a result, the report was late." Five: "Because the printer jammed, the report was late."
Where people slip
On a test, several choices may be grammatical. Eliminate the ones that still splice, then choose the one whose joining word fits the meaning. "The printer jammed, but the report was late" is grammatical, but but signals a contrast the two facts do not contain.
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