Improve Your Writing

I love eating fruit, it is one of my favourtie things.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Well done. The two clauses are independent, so you cannot separate them with a comma. Wrong. The two clauses are independent, so you cannot separate them with a comma.

After visiting the cinema, we are intending to go to the pub.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Well done. The comma is used here to set off an introductory phrase.Wrong. The comma is used here to set off an introductory phrase.

After a couple of drinks, we enjoyed a lovely stroll along the beach.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Well done. The comma here is used to offset an introductory phrase. Wrong. The comma here is used to offset an introductory phrase.

There are many reasons to visit Greece, the beaches are lovely and the people are friendly.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Correct. This is an example of the comma splice. No. This is an example of the comma splice.

I'll never be able to buy a house, prices these days are just ridiculous.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Great. You have identified the comma splice. No. This is a comma splice.

I can not afford a house in London, so I am moving to Sunderland.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Correct. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, which is a way of avoiding the comma splice. Oops. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, which is a way of avoiding the comma splice.

This is a lovely cake, you must give me the recipe one day.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Well done. You have identified another comma splice. No. The two clauses are independen (they can stand alone), so this is an example of the comma splice.

The computer in my room is old, but the carpet is ancient.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Well done. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, a good way around the comma splice. No. The two clauses are linked by a conjunction, a good way around the comma splice.

Given the lack of understanding among the general public, it is not surprising that many people are guilty of using the comma splice.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
You're right. Despite the long introduction, the comma is used here to separate the introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence.No. Despite the long introduction, the comma is used here to separate the introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence.

Hungary is an interesting country, the churches contain some of the finest frescos found anywhere in Europe.

	a)	Fine.
	b)	Comma splice.
Well done. You have found another shocking example of the dreaded comma splice. No. This sentence is another shocking example of the dreaded comma splice.