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Comma Splices
                                          A Skill Sheet
________________________________________________________________________

The comma splice is one of the most common errors in student writing. Specifically, a
comma splice occurs when a writer uses a comma to “splice” together two independent
thoughts that 1) should be joined together with a word or some other punctuation
mark, or 2) should be separated by some other form of punctuation. Some examples
follow.


Example One

    Comma Splice:          I went to the store, I saw a man standing on the corner.
    Correct Sentences:     I went to the store. I saw a man standing on the corner.
    Correct Sentence:      I went to the store, and I saw a man standing on the corner.



Example Two

    Comma Splice:          Dogs have large canine teeth, mice have large molars.
    Correct Sentences:     Dogs have large canine teeth. Mice have large molars.
    Correct Sentence:      Dogs have large canine teeth, but mice have large molars.



Example Three

    Comma Splice:        My grandmother lives in the country, her house is very big.
    Corrected Sentences: My grandmother lives in the country. Her house is very big.
    Corrected Sentence: My grandmother lives in the country, and her house is very big.



Example Four

    Comma Splice:          It takes five apples to make an apple pie, it takes ten to make applesauce.
    Corrected Sentences:   It takes five apples to make an apple pie. It takes ten to make applesauce.
    Corrected Sentence:    It takes five apples to make an apple pie, and it takes ten to make applesauce.
    Corrected Sentence:    It takes five apples to make an apple pie, but it takes ten to make applesauce.

As you can see, fixing a comma splice can be as simple as replacing the comma with a
period (and then capitalizing the first letter of the second sentence, of course!). Comma
splices can sometimes be eliminated by adding various punctuation marks, and certain
specific types of words. Before discussing the solutions, however, we must first examine
the problem itself.
2


Explanation of The Problem:

There are only three reasons why a writer would ever create a comma splice.

        1.      The writer may simply be unaware that different thoughts occur in
                different sentences.

        2.      The writer may be aware that different thoughts belong in separate
                sentences, but may be unable to differentiate between such thoughts.

        3.      The writer may be aware that different thoughts belong in separate
                sentences, is able to differentiate between such thoughts, but feels
                compelled to join them with a comma despite the previously stated rules.

The first reason - in which the writer is unaware that different thoughts must occur in
different sentences - is rarely an issue. Such cases are characteristic of very young
children who haven’t had very much practice in writing.

The second reason - in which the writer is unable to differentiate between separate
independent clauses - is surprisingly even less common. Almost all native speakers of
any language can identify independent thoughts or clauses. Given a string of sentences
strung together with no punctuation at all, nearly anyone can identify the different
thoughts conveyed. Read the following “sentence” and see if you can identify which
groups of words make up separate sentences.

        I went to the store on my way I saw a man standing on the corner.

If you are a native speaker of English, chances are you would have divided the above
example into two distinct sentences, like this:

        I went to the store.
        On my way I saw a man standing on the corner.

Furthermore, the fact that some native speakers place commas in places where there
should be periods proves that they are entirely capable of distinguishing between
different thoughts. However, many people still feel that they must take separate groups
of words and join them together with commas, as in the example below.

        I went to the store, on my way I saw a man standing on the corner.

The majority of people who create comma splices in their writing fall into this third
category. They know that the thoughts they are writing should be separated, but they still
choose to use commas instead of periods (or some other form of end-mark punctuation)
in their sentences. Why does this happen? It happens because, as stated earlier, people

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feel compelled to join separate thoughts together. This feeling of compulsion stems from
the fact that the two thoughts being conveyed, however separate and distinct, are
extremely similar and related. In the above example we might have just as easily written,

        “I went to the store and I saw a man standing on the corner,”

or…

        “On my way to the store I saw a man standing on the corner.”

Notice that in both of the above examples, an event (seeing the man on the corner)
occurred while “I” was going to the store. Because of the proximity or closeness of these
two separate events, writers often feel compelled to put them in the same sentence, thus
creating a comma splice. It is important to realize that although such an action is without
question an error, it is an error with significant and valid logic behind it. Most writers
already know that distinct thoughts should be separated from one another; they simply
don’t agree that a full-fledged period is the proper way to separate them. And, strangely
enough, they’re right…


How to Fix It:

As we have already seen, comma splices occur because writers feel compelled to join
similar or related thoughts with a comma rather than separate them with a period. It
makes sense; commas, as most of us remember being taught, are used to denote a pause,
and periods are used to end sentences. If “I” is going to the store and, in the process of
getting there sees a man standing on the corner, why should we try to separate these two
inseparable events?

One answer is to not separate them at all. What most people don’t realize is that a comma
splice is often a sign of syntactic and linguistic growth. Comma splices are signs that a
particular writer is trying to achieve a more advanced form of written expression, and that
that he or she does not yet possess the linguistic skills to do so. One solution to the
comma splice, then, is not simply to eliminate it by changing the comma to a period, but
to 1) make use of a more advanced form of punctuation, or to 2) make use of something
called a coordinating conjunction.


 Using a Coordinating Conjunction or a Subordinating Conjunction to
                      Correct a Comma Splice

A coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two complete, independent thoughts. It is
a conjunction in that it joins the two thoughts, and it is coordinating in that it puts the two


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thoughts on equal terms with one another. In simplest terms, a coordinating conjunction
is a word that joins two equally important sentences together.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions. They are and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so.
Any one of them can be inserted after a comma splice to correct the sentence. Consider
again the sentences contained in Example One from the beginning of this lesson.

Example One

   Comma Splice:           I went to the store, I saw a man standing on the corner.
   Correct Sentences:      I went to the store. I saw a man standing on the corner.
   Correct Sentence:       I went to the store, and I saw a man standing on the corner.

The sentence “I went to the store, I saw a man standing on the corner” contains a comma
splice. The easiest way to fix the sentence would be to replace the comma with a period,
but the coordinating conjunction and does the job as well. The other coordinating
conjunctions (but, or, nor, yet, and so) make the sentence make sense grammatically, but
they contort the meaning of the sentence. Each coordinating conjunction has its own
unique purpose and effect, as demonstrated in the following examples.

     Comma Splice:                  It was raining, I decided to go anyway.
     Corrected Sentence:            It was raining, but I decided to go anyway.

     Comma Splice:                  There was only one left, I left it for you.
     Corrected Sentence:            There was only one left, so I left it for you.

     Comma Splice:                  She wouldn’t sing, she wouldn’t play the guitar.
     Corrected Sentence:            She wouldn’t sing, nor would she play the guitar.

     Comma Splice:                  The cat walked quietly, it was stalking the mouse.
     Corrected Sentence:            The cat walked quietly, for it was stalking the mouse.

     Comma Splice:                  I felt the anger rise within me, I held my temper.
     Corrected Sentence:            I felt the anger rise within me, yet I held my temper

     Comma Splice:                  You may stay, you may go.
     Corrected Sentence:            You may stay, or you may go.


When using a coordinating conjunction to eliminate a comma splice, then, the writer
must consider how the conjunction will affect the meaning of the sentence which
contains it.


________________________________________________________________________


                Using a Semicolon to Correct a Comma Splice

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Semicolons can often be used as the cure for the comma splice and, for many writers, can
provide the linguistic technology necessary for heightened control over tone and meaning
in a given sentence. Semicolons differ from all other forms of punctuation in that they
are used to subordinate one complete thought to another. In other words, semicolons
may be used to show the relations hip between two distinct but inseparable thoughts.
Often this relationship is one of cause and effect, as seen in the examples below.


Example One

       Comma Splice:           I knew I had to go, it was the only way to keep everyone happy.

       Corrected Sentence:     I knew I had to go; it was the only way to keep everyone happy.

Example Two
       Comma Splice:           People used to confuse the two of them all the time, it was inevitable,
                               since their names were so similarly spelled.

       Corrected Sentence:     People used to confuse the two of them all the time; it was inevitable,
                               since their names were so similarly spelled.
Example Three

       Comma Splice:           We had to move the piano first, how else could we get at the electrical
                               outlet?

       Corrected Sentence:     We had to move the piano first; how else could we get at the electrical
                               outlet?

Notice that all three of the examples above have complete, independent sentences on
either side of the semicolon, which might lead a writer to separate them with a period.
Because the two thoughts are so closely related a semicolon is perfectly acceptable and,
in fact, helps to communicate the relationship between the two thoughts.

Semicolons can also be used to link two related ideas that don’t involve cause and effect.
There is no specific rule that might describe the relationship between two such thoughts.
It is sufficient to say that they are closely related, and that the purpose of the second
thought is to expound or comment on the first thought. Consider the examples below.



Example One

       Comma Splice:           She wanted to go, she had nothing else to do.

       Corrected Sentence:     She wanted to go; she had nothing else to do.



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Example Two

       Comma Splice:         The answer involved solving a word problem, she dreaded the thought
                             of it.

       Corrected Sentence:   The answer involved solving a word problem; she dreaded the thought
                             of it.

Example Three

       Comma Splice:         There was plenty of food in the cabinets, if he had only taken the time
                             to look he would have found it.

       Corrected Sentence:   There was plenty of food in the cabinets; if he had only taken the time
                             to look he would have found it.

Example Four

       Comma Splice:         The horses stood solidly in the field during the storm, there was so
                             much snow on their backs they looked like marble statues.

       Corrected Sentence:   The horses stood solidly in the field during the storm; there was so
                             much snow on their backs that they looked like marble statues.

Example Five

       Comma Splice:         Throughout the night the boys were kept awake by the sound of cats
                             fighting in the alley, the howling of the wind was not enough to muffle
                             the sound.

       Corrected Sentence:   Throughout the night the boys were kept awake by the sound of cats
                             fighting in the alley; the howling of the wind was not enough to
                             muffle the sound.

Note the closeness of the pairs of thoughts in the examples above. They are so closely
related that it is not uncommon for writers to put a comma in place of the semicolon.
Such an act, of course, would be considered a comma splice, and is undesirable. Also,
many writers choose to use a period instead of a semicolon; it makes sense to do so,
considering that both periods and semicolons are used to separate independent, distinct
thoughts. While periods are perfectly legitimate, however, a semicolon can tie the two
thoughts more closely togethe r. In addition, a semicolon has the effect of making the
pause between the two thoughts seem more subtle and less pronounced, which of
course alters the tone of the overall sentence.




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________________________________________________________________________
                                    Comma Splices:
                                      Exercises
________________________________________________________________________

Part One
Directions:    Use a period to eliminate the following comma splices.


1.     He took a walk, he saw a movie.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


2.     John took a walk, he saw a movie.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


3.     The dog caught the ball, she barked and ran away with it.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


4.     The glass is empty, it is sitting next to the sink.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


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5.     The ink is blue, it is starting to smudge.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


                                        *           *   *

Part Two
Directions:    Use a coordinating conjunction to eliminate the following comma
               splices.


6.     He was tired, he went to bed.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


7.     I ran down the stairs, they were at the door.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


8.     She tried as hard as she could, she didn’t try hard enough.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


9.     He took a walk, he saw a movie.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


10.    The tree house was nestled in the oak tree, no one could see it.


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________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


11.   I have too much to do, I can’t go with you.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


12.   The dog caught the ball, she barked and ran away with it.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


13.   She had a lot of money, she decided to save it.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


14.   She had a lot of money, she decided to spend it.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


15.   We went inside quickly, it started to rain.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________




                                      *        *        *



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Part Three
Directions:    Use a period to eliminate the following comma splices.


16.    She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips, she hates daisies.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


17.    He saw his three friends yesterday, Dan, John, and Jake came over to play again
       today.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


18.   Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni, onions, broccoli, and
      bacon and are gross.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


19.    Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays, that’s when my
       family comes to visit.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

20.    The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood, it could withstand very strong
       winds.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



                                       *        *       *



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Part Four
Directions:    Use a coordinating conjunction to eliminate the following comma
               splices.


21.    She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips, she hates daisies.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


22.    He saw his three friends yesterday, Dan, John, and Jake came over to play again
       today.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


23.    Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni, onions, broccoli, and
       bacon and are gross.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


24.    Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays, that’s when my
       family comes to visit.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


25.    The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood, it could withstand very strong
       winds.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



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                                      *        *       *

Part Five
Directions:    Use a semicolon to eliminate the following comma splices.


26.    The papers were perfect, there would be no need for revisions.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


27.    My father’s favorite shirt was still in the wash, he would not be going anywhere.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________




28.    The sheep were still in the pasture, the dog would have to go get them.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________




30.    The engine was overheated, we would have to walk back to town.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________




31.    The cat had no choice but to drop the mouse, the tiny creature had sunk its teeth
       into its attacker’s cheek!


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________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



32.   The captain turned the ship around sharply, if he hadn’t done so, he would have
      run into the rocks.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



33.   My sister began to smile, her dream had just come true.


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________




34.   Without missing a beat, the drummer’s rhythm faltered, a spider had just crawled
      across the cymbal.


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________




                                     *       *      *




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Part Six
Directions: Use a combination of periods, coordinating conjunctions, and
semicolons to eliminate comma splices in the following paragraphs.


35.   At night the owls came out to chant, and the crickets sang their song of glee,
      moths fluttered in the windows, drawn to the light of the cheery house. In the
      pond, a frog croaked, in the yard, a mouse rustled its way through a pile of leaves.
      Soon all the sounds of night were out in force, and the moon was shining down
      brightly on it all.


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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36.   No one could ever have guessed what happened next, the bird flew off her perch
      in a fury of feathers. She knocked open the door to her cage and flew out,
      barreling across the open space of the room, heading straight for the wall, she
      swerved just in time to avoid it, and flapped awkwardly onto the floor no more
      than an inch in front of the sleeping cat’s nose. The cat’s eyes widened in
      surprise, then the bird flapped her wings again, and the terrified feline jumped two
      feet straight up in the air with a sudden “MeeOOOWW!” and scrambled under the
      couch.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________
37.   The city was bustling with people, cars honked their horns, busses roared through
      the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man
      selling newspapers, he was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a
      bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of
      eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens, it was
      very cold.


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________

                 Solutions to Comma Splice Exercises
________________________________________________________________________


Part One: Solutions

1.     He took a walk. He saw a movie.
2.     John took a walk. He saw a movie.
3.     The dog caught the ball. She barked and ran away with it.
4.     The glass is empty. It is sitting next to the sink.
5.     The ink is blue. It is starting to smudge.



Part Two: Solutions (Answers may vary slightly.)


6.     He was tired, so he went to bed.
7.     I ran down the stairs, for they were at the door.
8.     She tried as hard as she could, but she didn’t try hard enough.
9.     He took a walk, and he saw a movie.
10.    The tree house was nestled in the oak tree, so no one could see it.
11.    I have too much to do, so I can’t go with you.
12.    The dog caught the ball, and she barked and ran away with it.
13.    She had a lot of money, but she decided to save it.
14.    She had a lot of money, so she decided to spend it.
15.    We went inside quickly, for it was starting to rain.


Part Three: Solutions

16.    She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips. She hates daisies.
17.    He saw his three friends yesterday. Dan, John, and Jake came over to play again
       today.
18.    Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni. Onions, broccoli, and
       bacon and are gross.
19.    Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays. That’s when my
       family comes to visit.
20.    The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood. It could withstand very
       strong winds.



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Part Four: Solutions

21.    She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips, yet she hates daisies.
22.    He saw his three friends yesterday, yet Dan, John, and Jake came over to play
       again today.
23.    Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni, but onions, broccoli, and
       bacon and are gross.
24.    Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays, for that’s when my
       family comes to visit.
25.    The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood, so it could withstand very
       strong winds.


Part Five:     Solutions

26.    The papers were perfect; there would be no need for revisions.
27.    My father’s favorite shirt was still in the wash; he would not be going anywhere.
28.    The sheep were still in the pasture; the dog would have to go get them.
30.    The engine was overheated; we would have to walk back to town.
31.    The cat had no choice but to drop the mouse; the tiny creature had sunk its teeth
       into its attacker’s cheek!
32.    The captain turned the ship around sharply; if he hadn’t done so, he would have
       run into the rocks.
33.    My sister began to smile; her dream had just come true.
34.    Without missing a beat, the drummer’s rhythm faltered; a spider had just crawled
       across the cymbal.


Part Six:      Solutions

(*Note* Exercises 35-36 have multiple answers. Although we’ve provided the most
common solutions to each, the subjective nature of the semicolon may produce varied
answers that are not listed. Therefore, we recommend that students study all the answers
provided in order to ensure a thorough understanding of how semicolons may be used to
correct comma splices.)

35.    At night the owls came out to chant, and the crickets sang their song of glee.
       Moths fluttered in the windows, drawn to the light of the cheery house. In the
       pond, a frog croaked. In the yard, a mouse rustled its way through a pile of
       leaves. Soon all the sounds of night were out in force, and the moon was shining
       down brightly on it all.

       At night the owls came out to chant, and the crickets sang their song of glee.
       Moths fluttered in the windows, drawn to the light of the cheery house. In the

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      pond, a frog croaked; in the yard, a mouse rustled its way through a pile of leaves.
      Soon all the sounds of night were out in force, and the moon was shining down
      brightly on it all.

36.   No one could ever have guessed what happened next. The bird flew off her perch
      in a fury of feathers. She knocked open the door to her cage and flew out,
      barreling across the open space of the room, heading straight for the wall. She
      swerved just in time to avoid it, and flapped awkwardly onto the floor no more
      than an inch in front of the sleeping cat’s nose. The cat’s eyes widened in
      surprise. Then the bird flapped her wings again, and the terrified feline jumped
      two feet straight up in the air with a sudden “MeeOOOWW!” and scrambled
      under the couch.

      No one could ever have guessed what happened next. The bird flew off her perch
      in a fury of feathers. She knocked open the door to her cage and flew out,
      barreling across the open space of the room, heading straight for the wall. She
      swerved just in time to avoid it, and flapped awkwardly onto the floor no more
      than an inch in front of the sleeping cat’s nose. The cat’s eyes widened in
      surprise; then the bird flapped her wings again, and the terrified feline jumped two
      feet straight up in the air with a sudden “MeeOOOWW!” and scrambled under the
      couch.

37.   The city was bustling with people; cars honked their horns, busses roared through
      the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man
      selling newspapers; he was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a
      bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of
      eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens; it was
      very cold.

      The city was bustling with people; cars honked their horns, busses roared through
      the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man
      selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a
      bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of
      eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens; it was
      very cold.

      The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared
      through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner
      stood a man selling newspapers; he was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap.
      He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a
      pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens;
      it was very cold.

      The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared
      through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner

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stood a man selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap.
He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a
pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens;
it was very cold.

The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared
through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner
stood a man selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap.
He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a
pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens,
for it was very cold.

The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared
through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner
stood a man selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap.
He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a
pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens.
It was very cold.




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                                WriteGuide, Inc.
                          http://www.writeguide.com

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Comma splices

  • 1. Comma Splices A Skill Sheet ________________________________________________________________________ The comma splice is one of the most common errors in student writing. Specifically, a comma splice occurs when a writer uses a comma to “splice” together two independent thoughts that 1) should be joined together with a word or some other punctuation mark, or 2) should be separated by some other form of punctuation. Some examples follow. Example One Comma Splice: I went to the store, I saw a man standing on the corner. Correct Sentences: I went to the store. I saw a man standing on the corner. Correct Sentence: I went to the store, and I saw a man standing on the corner. Example Two Comma Splice: Dogs have large canine teeth, mice have large molars. Correct Sentences: Dogs have large canine teeth. Mice have large molars. Correct Sentence: Dogs have large canine teeth, but mice have large molars. Example Three Comma Splice: My grandmother lives in the country, her house is very big. Corrected Sentences: My grandmother lives in the country. Her house is very big. Corrected Sentence: My grandmother lives in the country, and her house is very big. Example Four Comma Splice: It takes five apples to make an apple pie, it takes ten to make applesauce. Corrected Sentences: It takes five apples to make an apple pie. It takes ten to make applesauce. Corrected Sentence: It takes five apples to make an apple pie, and it takes ten to make applesauce. Corrected Sentence: It takes five apples to make an apple pie, but it takes ten to make applesauce. As you can see, fixing a comma splice can be as simple as replacing the comma with a period (and then capitalizing the first letter of the second sentence, of course!). Comma splices can sometimes be eliminated by adding various punctuation marks, and certain specific types of words. Before discussing the solutions, however, we must first examine the problem itself.
  • 2. 2 Explanation of The Problem: There are only three reasons why a writer would ever create a comma splice. 1. The writer may simply be unaware that different thoughts occur in different sentences. 2. The writer may be aware that different thoughts belong in separate sentences, but may be unable to differentiate between such thoughts. 3. The writer may be aware that different thoughts belong in separate sentences, is able to differentiate between such thoughts, but feels compelled to join them with a comma despite the previously stated rules. The first reason - in which the writer is unaware that different thoughts must occur in different sentences - is rarely an issue. Such cases are characteristic of very young children who haven’t had very much practice in writing. The second reason - in which the writer is unable to differentiate between separate independent clauses - is surprisingly even less common. Almost all native speakers of any language can identify independent thoughts or clauses. Given a string of sentences strung together with no punctuation at all, nearly anyone can identify the different thoughts conveyed. Read the following “sentence” and see if you can identify which groups of words make up separate sentences. I went to the store on my way I saw a man standing on the corner. If you are a native speaker of English, chances are you would have divided the above example into two distinct sentences, like this: I went to the store. On my way I saw a man standing on the corner. Furthermore, the fact that some native speakers place commas in places where there should be periods proves that they are entirely capable of distinguishing between different thoughts. However, many people still feel that they must take separate groups of words and join them together with commas, as in the example below. I went to the store, on my way I saw a man standing on the corner. The majority of people who create comma splices in their writing fall into this third category. They know that the thoughts they are writing should be separated, but they still choose to use commas instead of periods (or some other form of end-mark punctuation) in their sentences. Why does this happen? It happens because, as stated earlier, people Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 3. 3 feel compelled to join separate thoughts together. This feeling of compulsion stems from the fact that the two thoughts being conveyed, however separate and distinct, are extremely similar and related. In the above example we might have just as easily written, “I went to the store and I saw a man standing on the corner,” or… “On my way to the store I saw a man standing on the corner.” Notice that in both of the above examples, an event (seeing the man on the corner) occurred while “I” was going to the store. Because of the proximity or closeness of these two separate events, writers often feel compelled to put them in the same sentence, thus creating a comma splice. It is important to realize that although such an action is without question an error, it is an error with significant and valid logic behind it. Most writers already know that distinct thoughts should be separated from one another; they simply don’t agree that a full-fledged period is the proper way to separate them. And, strangely enough, they’re right… How to Fix It: As we have already seen, comma splices occur because writers feel compelled to join similar or related thoughts with a comma rather than separate them with a period. It makes sense; commas, as most of us remember being taught, are used to denote a pause, and periods are used to end sentences. If “I” is going to the store and, in the process of getting there sees a man standing on the corner, why should we try to separate these two inseparable events? One answer is to not separate them at all. What most people don’t realize is that a comma splice is often a sign of syntactic and linguistic growth. Comma splices are signs that a particular writer is trying to achieve a more advanced form of written expression, and that that he or she does not yet possess the linguistic skills to do so. One solution to the comma splice, then, is not simply to eliminate it by changing the comma to a period, but to 1) make use of a more advanced form of punctuation, or to 2) make use of something called a coordinating conjunction. Using a Coordinating Conjunction or a Subordinating Conjunction to Correct a Comma Splice A coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two complete, independent thoughts. It is a conjunction in that it joins the two thoughts, and it is coordinating in that it puts the two Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 4. 4 thoughts on equal terms with one another. In simplest terms, a coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two equally important sentences together. There are seven coordinating conjunctions. They are and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so. Any one of them can be inserted after a comma splice to correct the sentence. Consider again the sentences contained in Example One from the beginning of this lesson. Example One Comma Splice: I went to the store, I saw a man standing on the corner. Correct Sentences: I went to the store. I saw a man standing on the corner. Correct Sentence: I went to the store, and I saw a man standing on the corner. The sentence “I went to the store, I saw a man standing on the corner” contains a comma splice. The easiest way to fix the sentence would be to replace the comma with a period, but the coordinating conjunction and does the job as well. The other coordinating conjunctions (but, or, nor, yet, and so) make the sentence make sense grammatically, but they contort the meaning of the sentence. Each coordinating conjunction has its own unique purpose and effect, as demonstrated in the following examples. Comma Splice: It was raining, I decided to go anyway. Corrected Sentence: It was raining, but I decided to go anyway. Comma Splice: There was only one left, I left it for you. Corrected Sentence: There was only one left, so I left it for you. Comma Splice: She wouldn’t sing, she wouldn’t play the guitar. Corrected Sentence: She wouldn’t sing, nor would she play the guitar. Comma Splice: The cat walked quietly, it was stalking the mouse. Corrected Sentence: The cat walked quietly, for it was stalking the mouse. Comma Splice: I felt the anger rise within me, I held my temper. Corrected Sentence: I felt the anger rise within me, yet I held my temper Comma Splice: You may stay, you may go. Corrected Sentence: You may stay, or you may go. When using a coordinating conjunction to eliminate a comma splice, then, the writer must consider how the conjunction will affect the meaning of the sentence which contains it. ________________________________________________________________________ Using a Semicolon to Correct a Comma Splice Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 5. 5 Semicolons can often be used as the cure for the comma splice and, for many writers, can provide the linguistic technology necessary for heightened control over tone and meaning in a given sentence. Semicolons differ from all other forms of punctuation in that they are used to subordinate one complete thought to another. In other words, semicolons may be used to show the relations hip between two distinct but inseparable thoughts. Often this relationship is one of cause and effect, as seen in the examples below. Example One Comma Splice: I knew I had to go, it was the only way to keep everyone happy. Corrected Sentence: I knew I had to go; it was the only way to keep everyone happy. Example Two Comma Splice: People used to confuse the two of them all the time, it was inevitable, since their names were so similarly spelled. Corrected Sentence: People used to confuse the two of them all the time; it was inevitable, since their names were so similarly spelled. Example Three Comma Splice: We had to move the piano first, how else could we get at the electrical outlet? Corrected Sentence: We had to move the piano first; how else could we get at the electrical outlet? Notice that all three of the examples above have complete, independent sentences on either side of the semicolon, which might lead a writer to separate them with a period. Because the two thoughts are so closely related a semicolon is perfectly acceptable and, in fact, helps to communicate the relationship between the two thoughts. Semicolons can also be used to link two related ideas that don’t involve cause and effect. There is no specific rule that might describe the relationship between two such thoughts. It is sufficient to say that they are closely related, and that the purpose of the second thought is to expound or comment on the first thought. Consider the examples below. Example One Comma Splice: She wanted to go, she had nothing else to do. Corrected Sentence: She wanted to go; she had nothing else to do. Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 6. 6 Example Two Comma Splice: The answer involved solving a word problem, she dreaded the thought of it. Corrected Sentence: The answer involved solving a word problem; she dreaded the thought of it. Example Three Comma Splice: There was plenty of food in the cabinets, if he had only taken the time to look he would have found it. Corrected Sentence: There was plenty of food in the cabinets; if he had only taken the time to look he would have found it. Example Four Comma Splice: The horses stood solidly in the field during the storm, there was so much snow on their backs they looked like marble statues. Corrected Sentence: The horses stood solidly in the field during the storm; there was so much snow on their backs that they looked like marble statues. Example Five Comma Splice: Throughout the night the boys were kept awake by the sound of cats fighting in the alley, the howling of the wind was not enough to muffle the sound. Corrected Sentence: Throughout the night the boys were kept awake by the sound of cats fighting in the alley; the howling of the wind was not enough to muffle the sound. Note the closeness of the pairs of thoughts in the examples above. They are so closely related that it is not uncommon for writers to put a comma in place of the semicolon. Such an act, of course, would be considered a comma splice, and is undesirable. Also, many writers choose to use a period instead of a semicolon; it makes sense to do so, considering that both periods and semicolons are used to separate independent, distinct thoughts. While periods are perfectly legitimate, however, a semicolon can tie the two thoughts more closely togethe r. In addition, a semicolon has the effect of making the pause between the two thoughts seem more subtle and less pronounced, which of course alters the tone of the overall sentence. Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 7. 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Comma Splices: Exercises ________________________________________________________________________ Part One Directions: Use a period to eliminate the following comma splices. 1. He took a walk, he saw a movie. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 2. John took a walk, he saw a movie. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 3. The dog caught the ball, she barked and ran away with it. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 4. The glass is empty, it is sitting next to the sink. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 8. 8 5. The ink is blue, it is starting to smudge. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ * * * Part Two Directions: Use a coordinating conjunction to eliminate the following comma splices. 6. He was tired, he went to bed. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 7. I ran down the stairs, they were at the door. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 8. She tried as hard as she could, she didn’t try hard enough. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 9. He took a walk, he saw a movie. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 10. The tree house was nestled in the oak tree, no one could see it. Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 9. 9 ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 11. I have too much to do, I can’t go with you. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 12. The dog caught the ball, she barked and ran away with it. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 13. She had a lot of money, she decided to save it. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 14. She had a lot of money, she decided to spend it. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 15. We went inside quickly, it started to rain. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ * * * Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 10. 10 Part Three Directions: Use a period to eliminate the following comma splices. 16. She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips, she hates daisies. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 17. He saw his three friends yesterday, Dan, John, and Jake came over to play again today. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 18. Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni, onions, broccoli, and bacon and are gross. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 19. Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays, that’s when my family comes to visit. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 20. The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood, it could withstand very strong winds. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ * * * Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 11. 11 Part Four Directions: Use a coordinating conjunction to eliminate the following comma splices. 21. She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips, she hates daisies. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 22. He saw his three friends yesterday, Dan, John, and Jake came over to play again today. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 23. Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni, onions, broccoli, and bacon and are gross. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 24. Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays, that’s when my family comes to visit. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 25. The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood, it could withstand very strong winds. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 12. 12 * * * Part Five Directions: Use a semicolon to eliminate the following comma splices. 26. The papers were perfect, there would be no need for revisions. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 27. My father’s favorite shirt was still in the wash, he would not be going anywhere. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 28. The sheep were still in the pasture, the dog would have to go get them. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 30. The engine was overheated, we would have to walk back to town. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 31. The cat had no choice but to drop the mouse, the tiny creature had sunk its teeth into its attacker’s cheek! Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 13. 13 ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 32. The captain turned the ship around sharply, if he hadn’t done so, he would have run into the rocks. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 33. My sister began to smile, her dream had just come true. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 34. Without missing a beat, the drummer’s rhythm faltered, a spider had just crawled across the cymbal. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ * * * Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 14. 14 Part Six Directions: Use a combination of periods, coordinating conjunctions, and semicolons to eliminate comma splices in the following paragraphs. 35. At night the owls came out to chant, and the crickets sang their song of glee, moths fluttered in the windows, drawn to the light of the cheery house. In the pond, a frog croaked, in the yard, a mouse rustled its way through a pile of leaves. Soon all the sounds of night were out in force, and the moon was shining down brightly on it all. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 15. 15 36. No one could ever have guessed what happened next, the bird flew off her perch in a fury of feathers. She knocked open the door to her cage and flew out, barreling across the open space of the room, heading straight for the wall, she swerved just in time to avoid it, and flapped awkwardly onto the floor no more than an inch in front of the sleeping cat’s nose. The cat’s eyes widened in surprise, then the bird flapped her wings again, and the terrified feline jumped two feet straight up in the air with a sudden “MeeOOOWW!” and scrambled under the couch. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 16. 16 ________________________________________________________________________ 37. The city was bustling with people, cars honked their horns, busses roared through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man selling newspapers, he was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens, it was very cold. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 17. 17 ________________________________________________________________________ Solutions to Comma Splice Exercises ________________________________________________________________________ Part One: Solutions 1. He took a walk. He saw a movie. 2. John took a walk. He saw a movie. 3. The dog caught the ball. She barked and ran away with it. 4. The glass is empty. It is sitting next to the sink. 5. The ink is blue. It is starting to smudge. Part Two: Solutions (Answers may vary slightly.) 6. He was tired, so he went to bed. 7. I ran down the stairs, for they were at the door. 8. She tried as hard as she could, but she didn’t try hard enough. 9. He took a walk, and he saw a movie. 10. The tree house was nestled in the oak tree, so no one could see it. 11. I have too much to do, so I can’t go with you. 12. The dog caught the ball, and she barked and ran away with it. 13. She had a lot of money, but she decided to save it. 14. She had a lot of money, so she decided to spend it. 15. We went inside quickly, for it was starting to rain. Part Three: Solutions 16. She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips. She hates daisies. 17. He saw his three friends yesterday. Dan, John, and Jake came over to play again today. 18. Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni. Onions, broccoli, and bacon and are gross. 19. Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays. That’s when my family comes to visit. 20. The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood. It could withstand very strong winds. Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 18. 18 Part Four: Solutions 21. She likes buttercups, roses, and tulips, yet she hates daisies. 22. He saw his three friends yesterday, yet Dan, John, and Jake came over to play again today. 23. Pizza is best with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni, but onions, broccoli, and bacon and are gross. 24. Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays, for that’s when my family comes to visit. 25. The building was made of brick, mortar, and wood, so it could withstand very strong winds. Part Five: Solutions 26. The papers were perfect; there would be no need for revisions. 27. My father’s favorite shirt was still in the wash; he would not be going anywhere. 28. The sheep were still in the pasture; the dog would have to go get them. 30. The engine was overheated; we would have to walk back to town. 31. The cat had no choice but to drop the mouse; the tiny creature had sunk its teeth into its attacker’s cheek! 32. The captain turned the ship around sharply; if he hadn’t done so, he would have run into the rocks. 33. My sister began to smile; her dream had just come true. 34. Without missing a beat, the drummer’s rhythm faltered; a spider had just crawled across the cymbal. Part Six: Solutions (*Note* Exercises 35-36 have multiple answers. Although we’ve provided the most common solutions to each, the subjective nature of the semicolon may produce varied answers that are not listed. Therefore, we recommend that students study all the answers provided in order to ensure a thorough understanding of how semicolons may be used to correct comma splices.) 35. At night the owls came out to chant, and the crickets sang their song of glee. Moths fluttered in the windows, drawn to the light of the cheery house. In the pond, a frog croaked. In the yard, a mouse rustled its way through a pile of leaves. Soon all the sounds of night were out in force, and the moon was shining down brightly on it all. At night the owls came out to chant, and the crickets sang their song of glee. Moths fluttered in the windows, drawn to the light of the cheery house. In the Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 19. 19 pond, a frog croaked; in the yard, a mouse rustled its way through a pile of leaves. Soon all the sounds of night were out in force, and the moon was shining down brightly on it all. 36. No one could ever have guessed what happened next. The bird flew off her perch in a fury of feathers. She knocked open the door to her cage and flew out, barreling across the open space of the room, heading straight for the wall. She swerved just in time to avoid it, and flapped awkwardly onto the floor no more than an inch in front of the sleeping cat’s nose. The cat’s eyes widened in surprise. Then the bird flapped her wings again, and the terrified feline jumped two feet straight up in the air with a sudden “MeeOOOWW!” and scrambled under the couch. No one could ever have guessed what happened next. The bird flew off her perch in a fury of feathers. She knocked open the door to her cage and flew out, barreling across the open space of the room, heading straight for the wall. She swerved just in time to avoid it, and flapped awkwardly onto the floor no more than an inch in front of the sleeping cat’s nose. The cat’s eyes widened in surprise; then the bird flapped her wings again, and the terrified feline jumped two feet straight up in the air with a sudden “MeeOOOWW!” and scrambled under the couch. 37. The city was bustling with people; cars honked their horns, busses roared through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man selling newspapers; he was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens; it was very cold. The city was bustling with people; cars honked their horns, busses roared through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens; it was very cold. The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man selling newspapers; he was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens; it was very cold. The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com
  • 20. 20 stood a man selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens; it was very cold. The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens, for it was very cold. The city was bustling with people. Cars honked their horns, busses roared through the streets, and shoppers hurried along the sidewalks. On one corner stood a man selling newspapers. He was wearing a bright blue sweater and a cap. He had a bushy moustache that stuck out further than the tip of his nose, and a pair of eyebrows that were deeper than a shag carpet. His hands were in mittens. It was very cold. Copyright © 2002 WriteGuide, Inc. http://www.writeguide.com