Comma Splices and Clauses (B1)

Your task

Fill in the gap in each sentence with the correct word or phrase.

0 / 15 answered

Your score

0 / 150%

Keep practising! Focus on the explanations below.

He wanted to go for a run however, it was too cold outside.

Correct answer: ;

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma; use a semicolon before "however" when it starts a new clause.

I love swimming my sister prefers hiking. (add a conjunction)

Correct answer: , but

Joining two independent clauses with only a comma is a "comma splice". Use a comma + coordinating conjunction.

Because she was late for work she missed the morning meeting.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence.

The sun was shining yet the air was very chilly.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) that joins two independent clauses.

Since you are already here you might as well stay for dinner.

Correct answer: ,

A comma follows an introductory dependent clause.

I have a lot of work to do therefore, I cannot go to the cinema.

Correct answer: ;

"Therefore" is a conjunctive adverb; it needs a semicolon before it when joining two sentences.

When I arrived at the airport I realized I had forgotten my passport.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma after an introductory subordinate clause.

She didn't like the food so she didn't eat much.

Correct answer: ,

"So" is a coordinating conjunction; a comma is needed before it when it joins two full sentences.

If it rains tomorrow we will have to cancel the picnic.

Correct answer: ,

An "if" clause at the beginning of a sentence requires a comma.

I finished the book it was very interesting. (use a semicolon)

Correct answer: ;

Two independent clauses cannot be joined by nothing (fused sentence); use a semicolon.

While I was sleeping the phone rang three times.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma after an introductory clause starting with "while".

He studied hard for the exam nevertheless, he failed.

Correct answer: ;

"Nevertheless" is a conjunctive adverb and requires a semicolon before it.

My cat was hungry it started meowing loudly. (add a conjunction)

Correct answer: , so

Avoid a comma splice by adding a conjunction like "so".

Although he is very rich he lives in a small apartment.

Correct answer: ,

A comma follows an introductory "although" clause.

We can go to the park or we can stay at home.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma before "or" when it joins two independent clauses.

Please answer at least one question first.

Found an error in this exercise? Let us know.

Your task

Fill in the gap in each sentence with the correct word or phrase.

0 / 15 answered

Your score

0 / 150%

Keep practising! Focus on the explanations below.

He wanted to go for a run however, it was too cold outside.

Correct answer: ;

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma; use a semicolon before "however" when it starts a new clause.

I love swimming my sister prefers hiking. (add a conjunction)

Correct answer: , but

Joining two independent clauses with only a comma is a "comma splice". Use a comma + coordinating conjunction.

Because she was late for work she missed the morning meeting.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence.

The sun was shining yet the air was very chilly.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) that joins two independent clauses.

Since you are already here you might as well stay for dinner.

Correct answer: ,

A comma follows an introductory dependent clause.

I have a lot of work to do therefore, I cannot go to the cinema.

Correct answer: ;

"Therefore" is a conjunctive adverb; it needs a semicolon before it when joining two sentences.

When I arrived at the airport I realized I had forgotten my passport.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma after an introductory subordinate clause.

She didn't like the food so she didn't eat much.

Correct answer: ,

"So" is a coordinating conjunction; a comma is needed before it when it joins two full sentences.

If it rains tomorrow we will have to cancel the picnic.

Correct answer: ,

An "if" clause at the beginning of a sentence requires a comma.

I finished the book it was very interesting. (use a semicolon)

Correct answer: ;

Two independent clauses cannot be joined by nothing (fused sentence); use a semicolon.

While I was sleeping the phone rang three times.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma after an introductory clause starting with "while".

He studied hard for the exam nevertheless, he failed.

Correct answer: ;

"Nevertheless" is a conjunctive adverb and requires a semicolon before it.

My cat was hungry it started meowing loudly. (add a conjunction)

Correct answer: , so

Avoid a comma splice by adding a conjunction like "so".

Although he is very rich he lives in a small apartment.

Correct answer: ,

A comma follows an introductory "although" clause.

We can go to the park or we can stay at home.

Correct answer: ,

Use a comma before "or" when it joins two independent clauses.

Please answer at least one question first.

Found an error in this exercise? Let us know.