SENTENCE ERRORS:

·       Commas do NOT join; they signal and/or separate. 

·       Thus, it is an error to use a comma to join 2 independent clauses (complete

     sentences). 

·       For example:  I went to the store, I bought some beef jerky. 

·       Here, a comma is used to join 2 complete thoughts, and this is an error.  This sentence needs a semicolon (;) between store and I. 

·       Generally, we make this error when we want to show a connection or continuation of thoughts.  This is a good intention, but a misuse of punctuation.

· Proper punctuation includes a period, semicolon, or comma + coordinating conjunction.

·       We also created comma splices when use Conjunctive Adverbs.

 

·       however, furthermore, therefore, moreover

·       These words will always have a comma after them. 

·       However, it is a comma splice error to place a comma before them when they come between two independent clauses, for they cannot join sentences like coordinating conjunctions (and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so). 

·       In this instance, you must place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb, and the semicolon will join the two sentences. 

·       You claimed that the maid killed Sir Randolf; however, the butler did it.

·       Here, the C.A. comes between two independent clauses, so a semicolon, or a period, is necessary.

·       The truth is, however, that the butler did it. (not a comma splice error)

·       Here, the C.A. simply comes in the middle of a single sentence; there is no independent clause on either side of it, so no semicolon is required.

 

 

The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities, rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

 

a) Since 2 Independent Clauses have been erroneously fused, then punctuate them as separate sentences—with a period.

·       The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities.  Rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

 

b) Since the comma is not “strong” enough to join, use his big brother, the semicolon.  Only use semicolons to joins sentences that are related to each other.

·       The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities; rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

 

c) Since commas do not join, use something that does—the coordinating conjunction.

·       and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so

·       The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities, yet rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

 

d) transform one of the IC into a DC through subordination.

·       since, when, if, although, because

·       Although the federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities, rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

 

e) rewrite the whole mess.

    ·  After the flood, rebuilding the infrastructure was the onus of the state, despite the     

        fact that the federal government offered some basic supplies.