Correcting Punctuation Errors: Comma Splices - SAT Writing
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Please select the underlined portion of the sentence with errors, or select "no error" if the sentence has no errors.
The customer did not correctly understand the promotion, she expected to get half price on both items.
Please select the underlined portion of the sentence with errors, or select "no error" if the sentence has no errors.
The customer did not correctly understand the promotion, she expected to get half price on both items.
This sentence is a run-on, and should be split into two sentences with the appropriate punctuation, or given a proper conjunction.
This sentence is a run-on, and should be split into two sentences with the appropriate punctuation, or given a proper conjunction.
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Please select the underlined portion of the sentence with errors, or select "no error" if the sentence has no errors.
Although we frequently camp at the State Park, the National Park is our favorite place to visit, it has the longest mountain range in the country.
Please select the underlined portion of the sentence with errors, or select "no error" if the sentence has no errors.
Although we frequently camp at the State Park, the National Park is our favorite place to visit, it has the longest mountain range in the country.
Commas can only be used between dependent and independent clauses. When a comma splits two independent clauses, as in this question, it becomes a "comma splice", and is gramatically incorrect. Either a period or semi-colon should be used.
Commas can only be used between dependent and independent clauses. When a comma splits two independent clauses, as in this question, it becomes a "comma splice", and is gramatically incorrect. Either a period or semi-colon should be used.
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In the sciences, students need to see a lab early in college, in the humanities, archives do not need to be seen until they are upperclassmen.
In the sciences, students need to see a lab early in college, in the humanities, archives do not need to be seen until they are upperclassmen.
The sentence as presented is actually two complete thoughts united in one sentence, which is done to contrast the two thoughts. In these instances, the thoughts should be broken up more concretely than by one comma. The correct answer choice utilizes a semi-colon to unite the two sentences in one.
The sentence as presented is actually two complete thoughts united in one sentence, which is done to contrast the two thoughts. In these instances, the thoughts should be broken up more concretely than by one comma. The correct answer choice utilizes a semi-colon to unite the two sentences in one.
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Lakes and rivers are usually composed of freshwater, many are also composed of saltwater.
Lakes and rivers are usually composed of freshwater, many are also composed of saltwater.
The two phrases in the sentence have slightly contradictory ideas, with the second one modifying the first. A conjunction is needed to show these differences in the two phrases. The correct answer is the one that uses "but" to separate the two parts.
The two phrases in the sentence have slightly contradictory ideas, with the second one modifying the first. A conjunction is needed to show these differences in the two phrases. The correct answer is the one that uses "but" to separate the two parts.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
She was quite wary of making a scene, she let the matter fade away with no comment.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
She was quite wary of making a scene, she let the matter fade away with no comment.
The sentence is composed of two independent clauses—two complete sentences, joined to show their connection; however, the two are joined only by a comma, creating an error known as a "comma splice." Independent clauses should be joined by a semi-colon or by a comma followed by a conjunction (a word like "and" or "but"). To correct this sentence, you could either change out the comma for a semi-colon, or insert an appropriate conjunction immediately after the comma.
Let's consider the possible answer choices. The answer choice that makes no changes to the sentence can't be correct, since the sentence does contain an error. "Also" is an adverb, not a conjunction, so the answer choice that uses it as a conjunction cannot be correct. The remaining answer choices properly use "but," "so," and "although" as conjunctions, so finding the right answer becomes a matter of picking the conjunction that matches the logic of the sentence. "But" and "although" are used to indicate that the second sentence contrasts in some way with the first; this wouldn't make sense in our sentences, since they don't contrast with each other, but are related by causation: the first sentence explains the second. "So" is thus the proper conjunction to use, making the correct answer, "She was quite wary of making a scene, so she let the matter fade away with no comment."
The sentence is composed of two independent clauses—two complete sentences, joined to show their connection; however, the two are joined only by a comma, creating an error known as a "comma splice." Independent clauses should be joined by a semi-colon or by a comma followed by a conjunction (a word like "and" or "but"). To correct this sentence, you could either change out the comma for a semi-colon, or insert an appropriate conjunction immediately after the comma.
Let's consider the possible answer choices. The answer choice that makes no changes to the sentence can't be correct, since the sentence does contain an error. "Also" is an adverb, not a conjunction, so the answer choice that uses it as a conjunction cannot be correct. The remaining answer choices properly use "but," "so," and "although" as conjunctions, so finding the right answer becomes a matter of picking the conjunction that matches the logic of the sentence. "But" and "although" are used to indicate that the second sentence contrasts in some way with the first; this wouldn't make sense in our sentences, since they don't contrast with each other, but are related by causation: the first sentence explains the second. "So" is thus the proper conjunction to use, making the correct answer, "She was quite wary of making a scene, so she let the matter fade away with no comment."
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Feudal lords were not all horrible bosses, many relied too much on their subjects.
Feudal lords were not all horrible bosses, many relied too much on their subjects.
The sentence actually contains two complete sentences, which are placed together to show their thematic ties. Any such complex sentence must be joined either by a comma and conjunction or a semi-colon. The only answer choice containing such a construction is "bosses; many relied."
The sentence actually contains two complete sentences, which are placed together to show their thematic ties. Any such complex sentence must be joined either by a comma and conjunction or a semi-colon. The only answer choice containing such a construction is "bosses; many relied."
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Choose the best way to rephrase the underlined portion of the sentence. One of the answer choices repeats the original phrasing.
The sentence “Colorless green ideas sleep furiously” was composed by Noam Chomsky as a demonstration that grammatical correctness is separable from semantic meaning, while the sentence is nonsensical, it clearly follows the rules of English grammar.
Choose the best way to rephrase the underlined portion of the sentence. One of the answer choices repeats the original phrasing.
The sentence “Colorless green ideas sleep furiously” was composed by Noam Chomsky as a demonstration that grammatical correctness is separable from semantic meaning, while the sentence is nonsensical, it clearly follows the rules of English grammar.
The best answer fixes the comma splice, uses a more logical coordinator (“although”), and is more concise.
The best answer fixes the comma splice, uses a more logical coordinator (“although”), and is more concise.
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Select the answer that produces the most effective sentence, one that is clear and exact, without awkwardness or ambiguity.
I walked into the drugstore and requested the latest medication, the clerk had to look in the back.
Select the answer that produces the most effective sentence, one that is clear and exact, without awkwardness or ambiguity.
I walked into the drugstore and requested the latest medication, the clerk had to look in the back.
Two dependent clauses cannot be separated with a comma: here a semi-colon or period would be appropriate. Between answers with proper puncutation, choose the simplest one which keeps the meaning of the original sentence.
Two dependent clauses cannot be separated with a comma: here a semi-colon or period would be appropriate. Between answers with proper puncutation, choose the simplest one which keeps the meaning of the original sentence.
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Select the answer that produces the most effective sentence, one that is clear and exact, without awkwardness or ambiguity.
No one understand me like my dog Harry, he always is sad when I leave.
Select the answer that produces the most effective sentence, one that is clear and exact, without awkwardness or ambiguity.
No one understand me like my dog Harry, he always is sad when I leave.
Two complete phrases should not be separated by a comma: instead a semi-colon, colon, or period should be used. Choose the answer which separates the phrases and otherwise makes grammatical sense.
Two complete phrases should not be separated by a comma: instead a semi-colon, colon, or period should be used. Choose the answer which separates the phrases and otherwise makes grammatical sense.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Everyone was aware of the man's financial troubles, few knew just how deep in debt he truly was.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Everyone was aware of the man's financial troubles, few knew just how deep in debt he truly was.
The sentence is a compound sentence, two complete thoughts that are joined in one sentence. All compound sentences need to have their two parts joined by either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction; therefore, the correct answer is "Everyone was aware of the man's financial troubles, few knew just how deep in debt he truly was."
The sentence is a compound sentence, two complete thoughts that are joined in one sentence. All compound sentences need to have their two parts joined by either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction; therefore, the correct answer is "Everyone was aware of the man's financial troubles, few knew just how deep in debt he truly was."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Jeff couldn't stand his precalculus teacher, she would always demean him in front of his peers.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Jeff couldn't stand his precalculus teacher, she would always demean him in front of his peers.
Each of the clauses being combined in the sentence, "Jeff couldn't stand his precalculus teacher" and "she would always demean him in front of his peers" could function on its own as a complete sentence. This means that each clause is an independent clause, and because of this, the two should not be linked by just a comma; doing this creates an error called a "comma splice."
Without adding any words, you could merge the two clauses using a period or a semicolon; alternatively, you could add in an appropriate conjunction immediately after the comma. "As" works as just such a conjunction here, since Jeff's dislike for his teacher is because of her demeaning treatment of him. "Though" will not work, because it would suggest that he disliked her in spite of her negative treatment of him. So, the correct answer is "as she would always demean him in front of his peers," making the complete corrected sentence, "Jeff couldn't stand his precalculus teacher, as she would always demean him in front of his peers."
Each of the clauses being combined in the sentence, "Jeff couldn't stand his precalculus teacher" and "she would always demean him in front of his peers" could function on its own as a complete sentence. This means that each clause is an independent clause, and because of this, the two should not be linked by just a comma; doing this creates an error called a "comma splice."
Without adding any words, you could merge the two clauses using a period or a semicolon; alternatively, you could add in an appropriate conjunction immediately after the comma. "As" works as just such a conjunction here, since Jeff's dislike for his teacher is because of her demeaning treatment of him. "Though" will not work, because it would suggest that he disliked her in spite of her negative treatment of him. So, the correct answer is "as she would always demean him in front of his peers," making the complete corrected sentence, "Jeff couldn't stand his precalculus teacher, as she would always demean him in front of his peers."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
As their spaceship landed, the aliens began emitting a screeching message regarding their intent, they desired to make peace with the humans.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
As their spaceship landed, the aliens began emitting a screeching message regarding their intent, they desired to make peace with the humans.
A colon is the most appropriate punctuation to use when combining the two independent clauses present in the sentence because the second clause clarifies or elaborates the first clause. So, the correct answer is "As their spaceship landed, the aliens began emitting a screeching message regarding their intent: they desired to make peace with the humans."
A colon is the most appropriate punctuation to use when combining the two independent clauses present in the sentence because the second clause clarifies or elaborates the first clause. So, the correct answer is "As their spaceship landed, the aliens began emitting a screeching message regarding their intent: they desired to make peace with the humans."
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The coins thrown in the fountain would pile up at the end of the day, an employee had to clear them out after closing time.
The coins thrown in the fountain would pile up at the end of the day, an employee had to clear them out after closing time.
The sentence is a compound sentence, or two related complete sentences that are put together in one sentence to show their relationship. To be grammatically correct, the two parts must be joined either by semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. The only answer choice to do either is "The coins thrown in the fountain would pile up at the end of the day; an employee had to clear them out after closing time."
The sentence is a compound sentence, or two related complete sentences that are put together in one sentence to show their relationship. To be grammatically correct, the two parts must be joined either by semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. The only answer choice to do either is "The coins thrown in the fountain would pile up at the end of the day; an employee had to clear them out after closing time."
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The cold weather can be quite difficult for young children, companies offer special clothing for infants during the winter months.
The cold weather can be quite difficult for young children, companies offer special clothing for infants during the winter months.
The sentence is a complex sentence, featuring two complete thoughts put together to form one sentence. To appropriately join the two thoughts, they need to have a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. "The cold weather can be quite difficult for young children, so companies offer special clothing for infants during the winter months," is the only correct answer.
The sentence is a complex sentence, featuring two complete thoughts put together to form one sentence. To appropriately join the two thoughts, they need to have a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. "The cold weather can be quite difficult for young children, so companies offer special clothing for infants during the winter months," is the only correct answer.
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Mountain climbing is not an activity to be taken lightly, many people get injured every year while climbing.
Mountain climbing is not an activity to be taken lightly, many people get injured every year while climbing.
The sentence is compound, meaning it is composed of two complete sentences joined together for effect. Compound sentences, though, must be joined by either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. Using "as" for its conjunction, "to be taken lightly, as many people" is the correct answer choice.
The sentence is compound, meaning it is composed of two complete sentences joined together for effect. Compound sentences, though, must be joined by either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. Using "as" for its conjunction, "to be taken lightly, as many people" is the correct answer choice.
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The books were kept in terrible shape, none of them could be read all the through.
The books were kept in terrible shape, none of them could be read all the through.
This sentence is a compound sentence, a sentence that joins two complete thoughts to demonstrate their relationship. All compound sentences must be joined together either by a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. Of the answer choice, only "in terrible shape, and none of them" appropriately joins the two parts.
This sentence is a compound sentence, a sentence that joins two complete thoughts to demonstrate their relationship. All compound sentences must be joined together either by a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. Of the answer choice, only "in terrible shape, and none of them" appropriately joins the two parts.
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The authenticity of the document became hotly debated, new information cast doubt on its verification.
The authenticity of the document became hotly debated, new information cast doubt on its verification.
The second part of the sentence is a dependent clause, one that cannot stand alone as its own complete sentence; therefore, it needs to be appropriately connected to the first portion of the sentence with the correct preposition. Of all the answer choices, only "hotly debated, after new information" does this.
The second part of the sentence is a dependent clause, one that cannot stand alone as its own complete sentence; therefore, it needs to be appropriately connected to the first portion of the sentence with the correct preposition. Of all the answer choices, only "hotly debated, after new information" does this.
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The exterminator bragged about his new method for controlling rats, the method improved on its precedents by being done more quickly.
The exterminator bragged about his new method for controlling rats, the method improved on its precedents by being done more quickly.
The sentence is a compound sentence, featuring two complete, but intimately related, thoughts as one sentence. To properly connect the two parts, either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction need to be used between the sections. Therefore, the correct answer is "The exterminator bragged about his new method for controlling rats; the method improved on its precedents by being done more quickly."
The sentence is a compound sentence, featuring two complete, but intimately related, thoughts as one sentence. To properly connect the two parts, either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction need to be used between the sections. Therefore, the correct answer is "The exterminator bragged about his new method for controlling rats; the method improved on its precedents by being done more quickly."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The politicians grew more and more nervous about the legislation passing with each day, former supporters were switching sides with regularity.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The politicians grew more and more nervous about the legislation passing with each day, former supporters were switching sides with regularity.
The sentence written above is a compound sentence, a sentence formed by two complete thoughts that are joined to show their relationship. The appropriate ways to join complete sentences is either with a semi-colon or a comma and a conjunction. The only answer choice that does this is "The politicians grew more and more nervous about the legislation passing with each day; former supporters were switching sides with regularity."
The sentence written above is a compound sentence, a sentence formed by two complete thoughts that are joined to show their relationship. The appropriate ways to join complete sentences is either with a semi-colon or a comma and a conjunction. The only answer choice that does this is "The politicians grew more and more nervous about the legislation passing with each day; former supporters were switching sides with regularity."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Young musicians often struggle with keeping the proper tempo in an ensemble, remedying this problem is one of the things that signals a musician's growing maturity.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Young musicians often struggle with keeping the proper tempo in an ensemble, remedying this problem is one of the things that signals a musician's growing maturity.
The sentence as it is written is a compound sentence, or two complete thoughts joined together to show their relationship. All compound sentences have to be joined by either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. The only answer choice that does this is "Young musicians often struggle with keeping the proper tempo in an ensemble; remedying this problem is one of the things that signals a musician's growing maturity."
The sentence as it is written is a compound sentence, or two complete thoughts joined together to show their relationship. All compound sentences have to be joined by either a semicolon or a comma and a conjunction. The only answer choice that does this is "Young musicians often struggle with keeping the proper tempo in an ensemble; remedying this problem is one of the things that signals a musician's growing maturity."
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