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Textbook
Introduction
1. ACT Math
2. ACT English
2.1 ACT English intro
2.2 Punctuation
2.3 Conventions of usage
2.4 Sentence structure
2.4.1 Comma splices
2.4.2 Fragments
2.5 Organization, unity, cohesion
2.6 Topic development
2.7 Knowledge of language
3. ACT Reading
4. ACT Science
5. ACT Writing
Wrapping up
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2.4.1 Comma splices
Achievable ACT
2. ACT English
2.4. Sentence structure

Comma splices

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On the ACT this concept is intimately connected with the chapter on FANBOYS and joining clauses.

Basically, it boils down to this: A comma by itself is not strong enough to join independent clauses (or complete sentences). Anytime you see a comma without the FANBOYS conjunction joining what could be complete sentences, you have a comma splice, which is bad. Don’t pick that one.

It’s important to consider that the ACT is often crafty with these. They will usually be presented as tempting but wrong answer choices that you may not notice unless you’re looking for them.

Here’s a technique you can use to identify comma splices.

If a comma by itself ever looks out of place, check these steps:

  • Read what comes before the comma. Is it a complete sentence?
  • Read what comes after the comma. Is it a complete sentence?
  • If the answer is yes to both of those questions, you can’t use a comma. Opt for a period, a semicolon, or a comma + FANBOYS instead.

Example

Here’s the way you’ll see a comma splice question in the ACT English section.

Experts are commenting on the declining quality of the education system, you know it’s not the same as it was.

A. NO CHANGE
B. system you
C. system and you
D. system; you

See if you can choose the correct answer.

(spoiler)

Answer: D. system; you

Make sure you read the following explanation even if you answered the question correctly!

Option A. As written, we have a complete sentence, followed by a complete sentence and a comma between. That’s a problem, so this choice is not correct.

Option B. This is even worse, with no punctuation at all.

Option C. This has a FANBOYS, which does link independent clauses (or complete sentences) but ONLY with a comma as well. You need both, so this choice is not correct.

Option D. A semicolon joins independent clauses (or complete sentences) with no other help. It’s perfect for this sentence and is the correct choice.

At the end of the day, remember this: Don’t allow the ACT to trick you into a comma splice. Commas simply aren’t strong enough to join complete sentences.

Key points

If a comma by itself ever looks out of place, check these steps:

  • Read what comes before the comma. Is it a complete sentence?
  • Read what comes after the comma. Is it a complete sentence?
  • If the answer is yes to both of those questions, you can’t use a comma. Opt for a period, a semicolon, or a comma + FANBOYS instead.

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