1. + AVOID A COMMA SPLICE

2. + What is a complete sentence? A complete sentence: Subject + Verb Predicate needs end punctuation to show that the thought is over. What are end punctuation options?

3. + If you combine one complete thought (sentence) with another complete thought (sentence) then a semi-colon or comma and a conjunction are needed. You CANNOT combine two complete sentences with a comma. That is a called a comma splice.

4. + How to avoid Comma Splices Comma Splice: When two complete sentences are combined using a comma. Examples: My dog ate my socks, my mom bought me a new pair. My cat sleeps in my bed, her hair is all over my sheets.

5. + How to Fix a Comma Splice 1. Make it two sentences My dog ate my socks. My mom bought me a new pair. 2. Keep the comma and insert a conjunction My dog at my socks, so my mom bought me a new pair. 3. Use a semicolon My dog at my socks; my mom bought me a new pair.

6. + When to use a Semicolon Semicolons: A semicolon is used to join two (or more) sentences that aren’t connected by a comma and when you want to show a closeness between them – a closeness in meaning, a cause, or consequence.

7. + Practice: Would you use a semicolon? I bought a new car _______ it was a ’59 Chevy. My brother is a cop _____ He also likes the Twins. My mom went shopping last night _____ she bought a new purse. Fix this comma spliced sentence: I never really enjoyed science, math is my favorite class.