Avoiding Comma Splices with FANBOYS: A Guide for AP English

Question

Hey everyone! 👋 I'm totally stressing about comma splices for my AP English exam. They seem so simple, but I keep messing them up! 😩 Can someone give me a clear, easy-to-understand guide, especially on how to use FANBOYS to fix them? Thanks!

bethsanchez1995 · Accepted Answer

📚 What is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice occurs when you join two independent clauses with only a comma. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. Comma splices are grammatical errors that can confuse your readers.

📜 A Brief History
The concept of the comma splice has been around as long as the rules of punctuation have been formalized. As English grammar evolved, certain standards emerged for clarity and correctness. The avoidance of comma splices became one of these standards, ensuring that sentences are structured in a way that is easily understood.

🔑 The FANBOYS Solution: Coordinating Conjunctions
FANBOYS is an acronym that stands for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. These conjunctions can be used with a comma to correctly join two independent clauses.

🍎 For: Indicates reason or cause.
    🤝 And: Adds information.
    🚫 Nor: Introduces a negative alternative.
     🆚 But: Shows contrast.
     🎯 Or: Presents a choice or alternative.
     ⏳ Yet: Introduces a contrasting idea following what precedes it (similar to 'but').
     ✅ So: Indicates result or consequence.

🛠️ How to Fix a Comma Splice with FANBOYS
To correct a comma splice using FANBOYS, simply insert the appropriate coordinating conjunction after the comma between the two independent clauses.
Incorrect: I went to the store, I bought milk.
Correct: I went to the store, and I bought milk.

📝 Real-World Examples
Here are some examples demonstrating the correct use of FANBOYS to fix comma splices:

Incorrect (Comma Splice)
    Correct (with FANBOYS)

She was tired, she went to bed early.
    She was tired, so she went to bed early.

He doesn't like coffee, he doesn't like tea.
    He doesn't like coffee, nor does he like tea.

The sun was shining, it was cold outside.
    The sun was shining, but it was cold outside.

✍️ Conclusion
Understanding and utilizing FANBOYS is a key skill for any AP English student. By mastering the use of coordinating conjunctions, you can effectively avoid comma splices and improve the clarity and correctness of your writing. Keep practicing, and you'll master this essential grammar skill!

Avoiding Comma Splices with FANBOYS: A Guide for AP English

1 Answers

📚 What is a Comma Splice?

📜 A Brief History

🔑 The FANBOYS Solution: Coordinating Conjunctions

🛠️ How to Fix a Comma Splice with FANBOYS

📝 Real-World Examples

✍️ Conclusion

Join the discussion

Incorrect (Comma Splice)	Correct (with FANBOYS)
She was tired, she went to bed early.	She was tired, so she went to bed early.
He doesn't like coffee, he doesn't like tea.	He doesn't like coffee, nor does he like tea.
The sun was shining, it was cold outside.	The sun was shining, but it was cold outside.