The comma splice.

In the following exercise you will be presented with a series of sentences containing a comma.
You have to indicate whether you think that the sentence is an example of the comma splice.

1 I love eating fruit, it is one of my favourtie things.

Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

2
Well done. The two clauses are independent, so you cannot separate them
with a comma. Wrong. The two clauses are independent, so you cannot separate them
with a comma.

Bottom of Form

2 After visiting the cinema, we are intending to go to the pub.

Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

1
Well done. The comma is used here to set off an introductory
phrase.Wrong. The comma is used here to set off an introductory phrase.

Bottom of Form

3 After a couple of drinks, we enjoyed a lovely stroll along the beach.

Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

1
Well done. The comma here is used to offset an introductory phrase.
Wrong. The comma here is used to offset an introductory phrase.

Bottom of Form
4 There are many reasons to visit Greece, the beaches are lovely and the
people are friendly.
Top of Form

a Fine.
)

b Comma splice.
)

2
Correct. This is an example of the
comma splice. No. This is an example of the comma
splice.

Bottom of Form

5 I'll never be able to buy a house, prices these days are just ridiculous.
Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

2
Great. You have identified the comma splice. No. This is a comma splice.

Bottom of Form

6 I can not afford a house in London, so I am moving to Sunderland.

Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

1
Correct. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, which is a way of
avoiding the comma splice. Oops. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, which is a
way of avoiding the comma splice.

Bottom of Form
7 This is a lovely cake, you must give me the recipe one day.
Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

2
Well done. You have identified another comma splice. No. The two clauses
are independen (they can stand alone), so this is an example of the comma splice.

Bottom of Form

8 The computer in my room is old, but the carpet is ancient.

Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

1
Well done. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, a good way
around the comma splice. No. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, a good way
around the comma splice.

Bottom of Form

9 Given the lack of understanding among the general public, it is not surprising that many
people are guilty of using the comma splice.
Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

1
You're right. Despite the long introduction, the comma is used here to
separate the introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence.No. Despite the long
introduction, the comma is used here to separate the introductory phrase from the rest
of the sentence.

Bottom of Form
10 Hungary is an interesting country, the churches contain some of the finest frescos found
anywhere in Europe.
Top of Form

a) Fine.

b) Comma splice.

2
Well done. You have found another shocking example of the dreaded
comma splice. No. This sentence is another shocking example of the dreaded comma
splice.

Bottom of Form