Comma Splice:
* Definition: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with only a comma.
* Example: *The sun was shining, the birds were singing.*
Fused Sentence:
* Definition: A fused sentence (also called a run-on sentence) occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with no punctuation or conjunction at all.
* Example: *The sun was shining the birds were singing.*
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Comma Splice | Fused Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Punctuation | Comma | No punctuation |
| Conjunction | No conjunction | No conjunction |
| Example | The sun was shining, the birds were singing. | The sun was shining the birds were singing. |
How to Fix Them:
Both comma splices and fused sentences can be corrected by using one of the following methods:
* Insert a period: The sun was shining. The birds were singing.
* Insert a semicolon: The sun was shining; the birds were singing.
* Insert a comma and coordinating conjunction: The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
* Use a subordinating conjunction: Because the sun was shining, the birds were singing.
In essence, a fused sentence is a more severe form of a comma splice because it lacks even the comma, making the error even more blatant.