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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Comma Splice Quiz: Identify and Fix Errors in Real Sentences

Quick, free quiz to identify comma errors and correct comma splices. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Michael ChristatosUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for comma splice practice quiz on a coral background

This comma splice quiz helps you spot, fix, and prevent comma errors in real sentences, with instant feedback. Build skills with our comma splice practice, check sentence choices in a correctly punctuated sentence quiz, or learn when to join ideas with a colon vs semicolon quiz.

Choose the sentence that is an example of a comma splice.
I finished my homework and watched a movie.
I finished my homework, I watched a movie.
I finished my homework; I watched a movie.
After I finished my homework, I watched a movie.
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. Sentence A incorrectly joins 'I finished my homework' and 'I watched a movie' with a comma. The other options correctly use subordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or correct parallel structures. For more details on comma splices, see .
What is the primary error in the sentence 'John finished his work, he went home.'?
Comma splice
Sentence fragment
Run-on with no punctuation
Misplaced modifier
The sentence joins two independent clauses with only a comma, which is the definition of a comma splice. It is not a fragment because both clauses are complete. There is no misplaced modifier, and there is punctuation, so it's not a fused run-on. More information can be found at .
Which revision best corrects the comma splice by adding a coordinating conjunction? Original: 'She went to the gym, she wanted to stay healthy.'
She went to the gym, but she wanted to stay healthy.
She went to the gym they wanted to stay healthy.
She went to the gym; she wanted to stay healthy.
She went to the gym, so she wanted to stay healthy.
Adding the coordinating conjunction 'so' after the comma correctly joins the two independent clauses and explains the cause-and-effect relationship. Using a semicolon alone or the conjunction 'but' changes the meaning or fails to use a coordinating conjunction properly. The last option lacks any punctuation. For more on fixing comma splices, see .
What punctuation mark can replace the comma to correct a comma splice without adding a conjunction?
Semicolon
Period
Dash
Colon
A semicolon is used to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction, which corrects a comma splice. A colon introduces an explanation or list rather than joining clauses. A dash adds emphasis or interruption. While a period also separates sentences, it doesn't join clauses in a single sentence. See .
Which revision correctly fixes the comma splice by properly punctuating the transitional adverb in the sentence: 'He didn't like the forecast, however he packed his bags.'?
He didn't like the forecast, however he packed his bags.
He didn't like the forecast. however, he packed his bags.
He didn't like the forecast; however, he packed his bags.
He didn't like the forecast: however he packed his bags.
When a transitional adverb like 'however' links independent clauses, it should be preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. The first option correctly applies this rule. A comma alone or a colon is incorrect here, and the lowercase 'however' after a period fails to start a proper sentence. For more examples, see .
Why is the following sentence considered a comma splice: 'The team won the match, they celebrated all night.'?
It's missing a subordinate conjunction.
It's a run-on sentence with no punctuation.
It incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma.
It uses the wrong verb tense.
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses - 'The team won the match' and 'they celebrated all night' - are joined by only a comma. This sentence has punctuation, so it isn't a fused run-on, and verb tense is not at issue. No subordinate conjunction is present, but the primary error is misuse of the comma. Learn more at .
Which revision resolves the comma splice by converting one clause into a subordinate clause for the sentence: 'The children were tired, they couldn't finish their homework.'?
The children were tired; they couldn't finish their homework.
The children were tired they couldn't finish their homework.
The children were tired, so they couldn't finish their homework.
Because the children were tired, they couldn't finish their homework.
Introducing 'Because' makes the first clause subordinate, eliminating the need for a comma splice. A semicolon or coordinating conjunction 'so' also corrects the splice but does not create a subordinate clause. The last option remains a splice. See how subordinating conjunctions fix comma splices at .
How does a fused sentence differ from a comma splice?
A fused sentence includes a coordinating conjunction, while a comma splice does not.
A fused sentence omits any punctuation between independent clauses, while a comma splice uses a comma.
A fused sentence combines three or more clauses, while a comma splice only combines two.
A fused sentence uses only a comma, while a comma splice uses a semicolon.
A fused sentence, also called a run-on, occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation or conjunction. A comma splice uses a comma without the necessary coordinating conjunction. The other options confuse punctuation types or clause counts. For details, see .
How is the best way to correct the comma splices in the series: 'I packed my bags, I checked my passport, I arrived at the airport.'?
Use commas and colons to separate the actions.
Change all commas to periods.
Use semicolons between each independent clause.
Replace commas with commas and 'and' between each clause.
When joining multiple independent clauses in a series without conjunctions, semicolons clearly separate each complete thought and prevent comma splices. Adding 'and' would require commas and doesn't address the series effectively. Periods separate sentences but break the series format. Colons introduce a list or explanation, not full clauses. See .
Which revision corrects the comma splice by converting one clause into a participial phrase for the sentence: 'She entered the room late, she apologized to everyone.'?
Entering the room late she apologized to everyone.
She entered the room late and she apologized to everyone.
Entering the room late, she apologized to everyone.
She entered the room late; she apologized to everyone.
By converting 'She entered the room late' to the participial phrase 'Entering the room late,' the sentence no longer has two independent clauses joined by a comma. The missing comma in the first option creates a dangling modifier, and the other options use conjunctions or semicolons rather than a participle. For more on participial phrases, see .
Which revision uses a relative pronoun to correct the comma splice in: 'The film was a success, it won several awards.'?
Because the film was a success, it won several awards.
The film was a success and won several awards.
The film was a success; it won several awards.
The film that was a success won several awards.
By using the relative pronoun 'that,' the two ideas join into a single complex sentence without a comma splice. The second option uses a coordinating conjunction rather than a relative pronoun. The third option creates a subordinate clause but does not use a relative pronoun. The fourth option corrects the splice with a semicolon instead. See .
Which revision best corrects all comma splices in the sentence by using a semicolon, comma, and conjunction: 'The committee reviewed the proposal, it decided to delay the decision, the members requested more data.'?
The committee reviewed the proposal and decided to delay the decision and the members requested more data.
The committee reviewed the proposal. It decided to delay the decision; the members requested more data.
The committee reviewed the proposal; it decided to delay the decision, and the members requested more data.
The committee reviewed the proposal, and it decided to delay the decision; the members requested more data.
Using a semicolon after the first independent clause and a comma with a coordinating conjunction before the third clause correctly joins all clauses without comma splices. The other options either misuse punctuation or omit necessary conjunctions, creating different sentence structures. This approach balances clarity and correct joining of clauses. See for advanced fixes.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify comma splices -

    Recognize instances where commas improperly join independent clauses and compromise sentence clarity.

  2. Analyze sentence structures -

    Break down sentences to pinpoint patterns that lead to comma splice errors and understand their impact on meaning.

  3. Correct comma splices -

    Apply effective strategies - such as using coordinating conjunctions or semicolons - to fix comma splice mistakes.

  4. Apply punctuation rules -

    Practice using commas correctly in complex sentences to enhance readability and precision in your writing.

  5. Evaluate your progress -

    Use instant feedback from the comma splice quiz to track improvements and reinforce proper comma usage.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Definition of Comma Splices -

    A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma, creating a run-on sentence (Purdue OWL). For example, "She loves reading, she hates noise" should be split or corrected. Recognizing this in your comma splice practice builds a strong foundation for clean, clear writing.

  2. Spotting Independent Clauses -

    Independent clauses can stand alone as sentences, so watch for two subjects and verbs separated merely by a comma (Harvard Writing Center). In "The storm hit hard, the power went out," both segments qualify as full sentences. A quick comma splice check - asking if each half can be on its own - helps you pinpoint trouble.

  3. Using Coordinating Conjunctions -

    FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) join independent clauses without splices when preceded by a comma (Chicago Manual of Style). Remember the mnemonic "Coordinators Fix Splices." For instance, change "I ran fast, I won the race" to "I ran fast, and I won the race."

  4. Employing Semicolons and Periods -

    Replace the comma with a semicolon or period to fix splices: "The game ended; fans cheered loudly." (University of North Carolina Writing Center). Semicolons link closely related ideas, while periods create two clear sentences. Regular comma splice exercises will make these fixes second nature.

  5. Interactive Comma Splice Quiz Practice -

    Active exercises reinforce skills: try timed quizzes or self-made drills to spot and correct splices (Oxford Academic). Use online comma splice checklists to track progress and get instant feedback. Consistent practice boosts confidence and ensures you never overlook a splice again.

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