Worksheet for identifying comma splices in run-on sentences.

Problem Analysis:

The task is to identify whether the given sentences are complete sentences or run-on sentences (comma splices). A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction (e.g., "and," "but," "or") or proper punctuation (e.g., semicolon, period).

Solution Approach:

1. Identify Independent Clauses: An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. It has a subject and a predicate.
2. Check for Comma Splices: If two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, it is a comma splice.
3. Determine Completeness: A complete sentence must have a subject and a predicate and express a complete thought.

Step-by-Step Analysis of Each Sentence:

#### 1. We like him, he is very funny.
- Independent Clauses:
- "We like him" (subject: We, predicate: like him)
- "He is very funny" (subject: He, predicate: is very funny)
- Punctuation: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma only.
- Conclusion: This is a comma splice.
- Final Answer: Comma Splice

#### 2. We tried to text you, but you didn’t respond.
- Independent Clauses:
- "We tried to text you" (subject: We, predicate: tried to text you)
- "You didn’t respond" (subject: You, predicate: didn’t respond)
- Punctuation: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction "but."
- Conclusion: This is a complete sentence.
- Final Answer: Complete

#### 3. It’s cold outside, make sure you have your tuque.
- Independent Clauses:
- "It’s cold outside" (subject: It, predicate: is cold)
- "Make sure you have your tuque" (imperative sentence with implied subject "you")
- Punctuation: The two clauses are joined by a comma, but the second clause is an imperative sentence, not an independent clause.
- Conclusion: This is a complete sentence.
- Final Answer: Complete

#### 4. Our dog is really playful, he’s only 4 months old.
- Independent Clauses:
- "Our dog is really playful" (subject: Our dog, predicate: is really playful)
- "He’s only 4 months old" (subject: He, predicate: is only 4 months old)
- Punctuation: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma only.
- Conclusion: This is a comma splice.
- Final Answer: Comma Splice

#### 5. I want to help her, but she won’t let me.
- Independent Clauses:
- "I want to help her" (subject: I, predicate: want to help her)
- "She won’t let me" (subject: She, predicate: won’t let me)
- Punctuation: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction "but."
- Conclusion: This is a complete sentence.
- Final Answer: Complete

#### 6. This is going to be a very hot summer, therefore, you should buy a straw hat.
- Independent Clauses:
- "This is going to be a very hot summer" (subject: This, predicate: is going to be a very hot summer)
- "You should buy a straw hat" (subject: You, predicate: should buy a straw hat)
- Punctuation: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma and the conjunctive adverb "therefore."
- Conclusion: This is a complete sentence.
- Final Answer: Complete

#### 7. My favourite hockey player is Wayne Gretzky, he has so many NHL records.
- Independent Clauses:
- "My favourite hockey player is Wayne Gretzky" (subject: My favourite hockey player, predicate: is Wayne Gretzky)
- "He has so many NHL records" (subject: He, predicate: has so many NHL records)
- Punctuation: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma only.
- Conclusion: This is a comma splice.
- Final Answer: Comma Splice

#### 8. The test is difficult, so you should study hard.
- Independent Clauses:
- "The test is difficult" (subject: The test, predicate: is difficult)
- "You should study hard" (subject: You, predicate: should study hard)
- Punctuation: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction "so."
- Conclusion: This is a complete sentence.
- Final Answer: Complete

#### 9. When I grow up, I’m going to be a fireman.
- Clauses:
- "When I grow up" (subordinate clause, cannot stand alone)
- "I’m going to be a fireman" (independent clause)
- Punctuation: The subordinate clause is properly introduced by "when."
- Conclusion: This is a complete sentence.
- Final Answer: Complete

#### 10. Because the snow is coming down and the visibility is poor, I’m not going to risk driving to Ottawa this morning.
- Clauses:
- "Because the snow is coming down and the visibility is poor" (subordinate clause, cannot stand alone)
- "I’m not going to risk driving to Ottawa this morning" (independent clause)
- Punctuation: The subordinate clause is properly introduced by "because."
- Conclusion: This is a complete sentence.
- Final Answer: Complete

Final Answers:

1. Comma Splice
2. Complete
3. Complete
4. Comma Splice
5. Complete
6. Complete
7. Comma Splice
8. Complete
9. Complete
10. Complete

Boxed Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
1. & \text{Comma Splice} \\
2. & \text{Complete} \\
3. & \text{Complete} \\
4. & \text{Comma Splice} \\
5. & \text{Complete} \\
6. & \text{Complete} \\
7. & \text{Comma Splice} \\
8. & \text{Complete} \\
9. & \text{Complete} \\
10. & \text{Complete} \\
\end{array}
}
\]