Run-ons and comma splices | Syntax | Khan Academy

Khan Academy
23 Aug 201604:38

Summary

TLDRIn 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

  • πŸ“ A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
  • πŸ” An example of a run-on sentence is 'We bought nails we bought a hammer.', which combines two independent thoughts without a correct break.
  • πŸ›  To fix a run-on, one can use a semicolon to separate the independent clauses, such as 'We bought nails; we bought a hammer.'
  • βž• 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.
  • πŸ“– 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.
  • πŸ“‘ 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.
  • πŸ“ 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.'
  • πŸ–ŠοΈ 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.

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Related Tags
Grammar TipsRun-on SentencesComma SplicingWriting SkillsLanguage LearningPunctuation RulesEnglish GrammarEducational ContentLanguage ArtsWriting Fixes