Grammar #12

Run-on sentences and comma splices.

These are two of the most common grammatical errors in writing. I know this because my Microsoft Word always points mine out to me. A run-on sentence is a sentence with two different independent clauses that aren't conjoined by the proper conjunction, or aren't separated with the proper punctuation. Similarly, a comma splice is a basically a run-on sentence that was attempted to be conjoined by a comma, but failed. The best way to fix either is to either separate the run-on sentence with a period, or add the appropriate conjunction; but, or, nor, for, and, yet, so. A comma splice can be fixed similarly, or can be fixed by adding a semicolon.
Adding things like adverbs and adjectives to try and fix a run-on sentence or comma splice do nothing to fix it. Only the approriate words, punctuations, and conjuntions can fix them.

Here are a few examples.

Run-un sentence.
Incorrect: I study hard, I like to study up to eight hours a day.
Correct: I study hard. I like to study either hours a day. (Seperated with a period)

Comma splice.
Incorrect: I study hard, I like to study up to eight hours a day.
Correct: I study hard; I like to study up to eight hours a day.

This website gave me great, and yet, simple insight into the use of these two very complex grammatical tools.

http://www.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules/5-most-common.html