Run-ons and comma splices | Syntax | Khan Academy

Summary

In this educational video, the hosts discuss common grammar issues: run-on sentences and comma splices. A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions, like 'We bought nails we bought a hammer.' To fix it, one can use a semicolon or add a comma with a conjunction. Comma splices are similar but involve the misuse of a comma to join independent clauses, which can be corrected by using a stronger punctuation mark like a semicolon. The hosts use humor and examples to clarify these concepts, making grammar lessons engaging.

Takeaways

• 📝 A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
• 🔍 An example of a run-on sentence is 'We bought nails we bought a hammer.', which combines two independent thoughts without a correct break.
• 🛠 To fix a run-on, one can use a semicolon to separate the independent clauses, such as 'We bought nails; we bought a hammer.'
• ➕ Alternatively, a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction like 'and' can be used to connect the clauses: 'We bought nails, and we bought a hammer.'
• 🌟 The term 'splice' originates from sailing and film editing, referring to the act of joining two things together.
• 📖 In grammar, a comma splice is an error where two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma alone.
• 🎬 The script humorously references a non-existent 'Li'l Tony' movie franchise to illustrate the concept of comma splices.
• 📑 To correct a comma splice, one should replace the comma with a stronger punctuation mark like a semicolon or a period, or use a conjunction.
• 📝 The corrected sentence for the 'Li'l Tony' example could be 'I love Li'l Tony 2: Pony Up 2 the Streets; it's my favorite movie in the Li'l Tony franchise.'
• 🖊️ Titles of published works, even fictional ones, should be underlined or italicized to indicate their status as titles.

Q & A

What is a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined together in one sentence without proper punctuation or coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', or 'or'.

How can you fix a run-on sentence?

You can fix a run-on sentence by adding a semicolon between the independent clauses or by adding a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.

What is an example of a run-on sentence given in the script?

The example given in the script is 'We bought nails we bought a hammer.', which combines two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

What is a comma splice?

A comma splice is an inappropriate joining of two independent clauses using only a comma, which is not sufficient to separate them properly.

How does the term 'splice' relate to grammar?

In grammar, 'splice' refers to the act of joining two independent clauses together, but in an incorrect manner, typically using just a comma when a stronger punctuation mark is needed.

What is the origin of the term 'splice'?

The term 'splice' originally comes from sailing, where it means to untangle and re-weave two ropes back together.

Can you provide an example of a comma splice from the script?

An example of a comma splice from the script is 'I love Li'l Tony 2: Pony Up 2 the Streets, it's my favorite movie in the Li'l Tony franchise.', where a comma is used to join two independent clauses.

How can you correct a comma splice?

To correct a comma splice, you can replace the comma with a semicolon, or add a coordinating conjunction after the comma.

Why are titles of published works underlined in the script?

Titles of published works are underlined in the script to indicate that they are the names of books, movies, or other creative works, even if they are fictional.

What is the main difference between a run-on sentence and a comma splice?

The main difference is that a run-on sentence lacks any punctuation or conjunctions between independent clauses, while a comma splice incorrectly uses only a comma to join them.

How can you identify if a sentence is a run-on or a comma splice?

You can identify a run-on or comma splice by checking if two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or if a comma is used where a stronger punctuation mark is needed.