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How Strong Are Your Run-On Sentence & Comma Splice Skills?

Ready to master run-on sentence correction and banish comma splices?

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz scene with run on sentences comma splices pencils and speech bubbles on coral background

Ready to polish your writing and finally conquer those relentless fused sentences? The Master Run-On Sentences & Comma Splices Quiz is your ticket to mastering run-on sentences and turning cluttered thoughts into clear prose. By tackling questions on fixing a run-on sentence involves adding the proper punctuation, you'll build confidence spotting run-on sentence examples, battling comma splices, and correcting fused sentences. Ideal for students, content creators, and word lovers, this interactive comma splice quiz delivers instant feedback with clear explanations. Ready for more? Dive into extra comma splice practice challenges. Take the free quiz today and transform your grammar in minutes!

Which of the following sentences contains a comma splice?
She enjoys coffee in the morning.
It was late, the guests had already left.
It was late, and the guests had already left.
Because the weather was nice, we went for a walk.
This sentence joins two independent clauses with only a comma, creating a comma splice. To avoid this error, you can use a semicolon or add a coordinating conjunction after the comma. Using proper punctuation clarifies the relationship between the clauses and improves readability. Learn more at Purdue OWL.
Which punctuation mark can be used to correctly join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction?
Comma
Hyphen
Semicolon
Colon
A semicolon can connect two independent clauses that are closely related without the need for a coordinating conjunction. It shows a closer relationship than a period would, but stronger separation than a comma. Misusing commas alone often leads to run-on sentences or comma splices. For more details, see Grammarly.
Choose the correctly punctuated version of this run-on: The storm was fierce we stayed indoors all day.
The storm was fierce, we stayed indoors all day.
The storm was fierce so, we stayed indoors all day.
The storm was fierce; we stayed indoors all day.
The storm was fierce we stayed indoors all day.
Using a semicolon between two independent clauses corrects the run-on sentence by properly signaling the break. A comma alone would create a splice, and other arrangements are incorrect or awkward. This semicolon use enhances clarity while keeping the clauses closely connected. More examples are available at Purdue OWL.
Which sentence correctly uses a coordinating conjunction to fix a run-on?
I wanted to go for a run: it started to rain.
I wanted to go for a run; it started to rain.
I wanted to go for a run, and it started to rain.
I wanted to go for a run it started to rain.
Adding a comma and the coordinating conjunction and properly links the two independent clauses and eliminates the run-on. A semicolon without a conjunction or other punctuation changes the sentence structure. Using the conjunction clarifies the relationship between the actions. For more on coordinating conjunctions, visit Grammarly.
How can you correct the run-on in this sentence using a semicolon? She loves painting she spends hours in her studio.
She loves painting, she spends hours in her studio.
She loves painting she spends hours in, her studio.
She loves painting; she spends hours in her studio.
She loves painting she spends hours, in her studio.
A semicolon joins the two independent clauses cleanly without adding conjunctions, fixing the run-on. A plain comma creates a comma splice, and misplaced commas break the flow. Correct semicolon use clarifies the connection while maintaining sentence unity. More on semicolon use is at Grammarly.
Which sentence is NOT a run-on?
It started snowing we kept walking in the cold.
We hiked to the summit, the view was breathtaking.
Although we were exhausted, we made it to the top.
The sun was setting the sky turned orange.
This sentence begins with a subordinate clause (Although we were exhausted) and correctly uses a comma before the independent clause. Its not a run-on because the clauses arent joined improperly. The others either lack conjunctions or proper punctuation. See more on subordinate clauses at Purdue OWL.
Which sentence uses a semicolon to fix the comma splice? His car broke down, he had to call a tow truck.
His car broke down; he had to call a tow truck.
His car broke down he had to call a tow truck.
His car broke down, so he had to call a tow truck.
His car broke down and he had to call a tow truck.
This option correctly replaces the comma splice with a semicolon, linking two independent clauses without a conjunction. The other options either still run on or use different corrections. Proper semicolon use improves clarity between related statements. Read more at Purdue OWL.
What error does this sentence contain? I love to travel, I have visited ten countries this year.
Subject-verb agreement error
Comma splice
Sentence fragment
Run-on sentence
The sentence improperly joins two independent clauses with only a comma, which is the definition of a comma splice. While run-ons and comma splices are related, this specific error is a comma splice. Correcting it requires a semicolon, coordinating conjunction, or period. For definitions, see Grammar Monster.
Which version correctly joins three independent clauses with semicolons? I finished my work I went to the gym I cooked dinner.
I finished my work. I went to the gym; I cooked dinner.
I finished my work; I went to the gym, I cooked dinner.
I finished my work, I went to the gym, I cooked dinner.
I finished my work; I went to the gym; I cooked dinner.
Using semicolons between each independent clause is the standard method to join three related statements without conjunctions. Commas alone would create comma splices, and mixing period/semicolon changes tone. This format maintains equal weight for each clause. More guidance is at Purdue OWL.
Which revision correctly uses a conjunctive adverb to fix the run-on? He didn't study for the exam, he failed.
He didn't study for the exam therefore; he failed.
He didn't study for the exam; therefore he failed.
He didn't study for the exam, therefore he failed.
He didn't study for the exam; therefore, he failed.
The semicolon before the conjunctive adverb therefore, and the comma following it are the correct punctuation for joining two independent clauses with a transitional phrase. Other arrangements either misplace the comma or semicolon, leading to errors. This structure signals cause and effect clearly. Learn more at Grammarly.
Which option best corrects this sentence while preserving the dependent clause? Although it was late we finished the project it was a success.
Although it was late we finished the project, it was a success.
Although it was late we finished the project. It was a success.
Although it was late, we finished the project; it was a success.
Although it was late; we finished the project, it was a success.
This version correctly places a comma after the introductory dependent clause and uses a semicolon to join the two independent clauses. The result respects both the subordinate clause and the independence of the final clauses. Other options misplace punctuation or fail to mark the dependent clause. See more at Grammarly.
Which sentence below contains a comma splice?
He studied hard, so he passed the test.
I wanted to go home, however, the roads were closed.
Because it was raining, the picnic was canceled.
She loves skiing; however, she avoids steep slopes.
The sentence improperly uses a comma before the conjunctive adverb however without a semicolon, creating a comma splice. The correct form would use a semicolon before however and a comma after. The other sentences either correctly use semicolons or coordinating conjunctions. More at Purdue OWL.
Which revision best joins all three independent clauses correctly? My friends went to the beach we stayed home we watched movies instead.
My friends went to the beach; we stayed home, we watched movies instead.
My friends went to the beach; we stayed home; we watched movies instead.
My friends went to the beach; we stayed home and watched movies instead.
My friends went to the beach, we stayed home; we watched movies instead.
Using semicolons between each independent clause properly joins all three related thoughts without conjunctions. This approach avoids comma splices and maintains parallel structure. Other versions mix commas and semicolons incorrectly or add conjunctions that change emphasis. See advanced usage at Grammarly.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand run-on sentences and comma splices -

    Learn the fundamentals of run-on sentences and comma splices by examining run-on sentence examples to see how independent clauses can be improperly joined.

  2. Identify common run-on errors -

    Spot fused sentences and comma splice mistakes in sample sentences, sharpening your ability to recognize where clauses need clearer separation.

  3. Apply punctuation to fix run-on sentences -

    Practice fixing a run-on sentence involves adding the proper punctuation - such as periods, semicolons, or coordinating conjunctions - to create grammatically correct sentences.

  4. Correct fused sentences and comma splices -

    Use targeted comma splice practice techniques to revise and correct fused sentences, ensuring each clause is correctly connected.

  5. Evaluate revision options in a comma splice quiz -

    Test your skills with a comma splice quiz that challenges you to choose the best revisions and reinforces strategies for correcting fused sentences.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Types of Run-On Sentences -

    Run-on sentences fall into two categories: fused sentences and comma splices. In a fused sentence, two independent clauses run together without punctuation ("I love coffee I drink it every morning"), while a comma splice joins them with just a comma ("I love coffee, I drink it every morning"). According to Purdue OWL, recognizing these types is the first step in correcting fused sentences.

  2. Punctuation Strategies for Correction -

    Remember, fixing a run-on sentence involves adding the proper punctuation: a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. For example, you can write "I love coffee; I drink it every morning" or "I love coffee, and I drink it every morning." The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill advises choosing the strategy that best maintains your intended pace and emphasis.

  3. FANBOYS and Comma Splice Practice -

    Use the FANBOYS acronym (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to eliminate comma splices effectively. In "She studied all night, she still failed the test," add "but" to get "She studied all night, but she still failed the test." Try our comma splice quiz to build rapid recall of these conjunctions in context.

  4. Subordination and Sentence Variety -

    Combining sentences with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since) can turn two independent clauses into a single, polished sentence. For example, "I was tired because I stayed up late" avoids the choppy feel of two separate statements. Harvard College Writing Center notes that subordination adds variety and clarity to your writing.

  5. Spotting Run-On Sentence Examples -

    Train yourself to spot the "IC + IC" pattern - when two independent clauses lack proper linkage. For instance, "The sun rose it was a beautiful morning" screams for intervention. Regular review of run-on sentence examples from reputable university writing centers will sharpen your editing eye.

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