Which Revision Of This Comma Splice Uses A Logical Subordinating Word To Create One Independent And One Dependent Clause?A. When The Exam Began, Liam Felt Fairly Confident.B. The Exam Began If Liam Felt Fairly Confident.C. The Exam Began; Therefore,

by ADMIN 250 views

What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice is a grammatical error that occurs when two independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) are joined with a comma without using a conjunction or proper punctuation. This can make the sentence confusing and difficult to understand.

What is a Subordinating Word?

A subordinating word, also known as a subordinating conjunction, is a word that introduces a dependent clause (i.e., a clause that cannot stand alone as a separate sentence). Subordinating words help to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. Common subordinating words include:

  • because
  • since
  • after
  • although
  • if
  • unless
  • until
  • while

Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze the three options provided:

Option A: When the exam began, Liam felt fairly confident.

This sentence is a comma splice because it joins two independent clauses with a comma without using a conjunction or proper punctuation. The first clause, "When the exam began," is a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating word "when." However, the second clause, "Liam felt fairly confident," is an independent clause that could stand alone as a separate sentence. To fix this comma splice, we need to add a conjunction or proper punctuation to separate the two clauses.

Option B: The exam began if Liam felt fairly confident.

This sentence is a conditional sentence, but it is not a comma splice. The subordinating word "if" introduces a dependent clause, "Liam felt fairly confident," which cannot stand alone as a separate sentence. The independent clause, "The exam began," is correctly linked to the dependent clause using the subordinating word "if."

Option C: The exam began; therefore,

This sentence is not a comma splice, but it is a sentence fragment. The semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses, but the second clause, "therefore," is not a complete sentence. To fix this sentence fragment, we need to add a complete sentence after the semicolon.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is Option B: The exam began if Liam felt fairly confident. This sentence uses a logical subordinating word, "if," to create one independent and one dependent clause. The subordinating word "if" introduces the dependent clause, "Liam felt fairly confident," which cannot stand alone as a separate sentence. The independent clause, "The exam began," is correctly linked to the dependent clause using the subordinating word "if."

Tips for Avoiding Comma Splices

To avoid comma splices, follow these tips:

  • Use a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, so) to join two independent clauses.
  • Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses.
  • Use a subordinating word (e.g., because, since, after) to introduce a dependent clause.
  • Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or) to join two independent clauses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a comma splice, and how can I fix it?

A: A comma splice is a grammatical error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined with a comma without using a conjunction or proper punctuation. To fix a comma splice, you can use a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, so) to join the two clauses, use a semicolon to separate the clauses, or rephrase the sentence to make one clause dependent on the other.

Q: What is a subordinating word, and how is it used?

A: A subordinating word, also known as a subordinating conjunction, is a word that introduces a dependent clause. Subordinating words help to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. Common subordinating words include:

  • because
  • since
  • after
  • although
  • if
  • unless
  • until
  • while

Q: How do I know when to use a subordinating word?

A: Use a subordinating word when you want to introduce a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a separate sentence. For example:

  • "I went to the store because I needed milk." (The dependent clause "I needed milk" cannot stand alone as a separate sentence.)
  • "I went to the store since I needed milk." (The subordinating word "since" introduces the dependent clause "I needed milk.")

Q: Can I use a subordinating word to join two independent clauses?

A: No, you cannot use a subordinating word to join two independent clauses. Subordinating words are used to introduce dependent clauses, not to join independent clauses. If you want to join two independent clauses, use a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, so) or a semicolon.

Q: What is the difference between a subordinating word and a coordinating conjunction?

A: A subordinating word introduces a dependent clause, while a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses. Common coordinating conjunctions include:

  • and
  • but
  • or
  • so

Q: Can I use a comma with a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses?

A: Yes, you can use a comma with a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses. For example:

  • "I went to the store, and I bought some milk." (The comma is used with the coordinating conjunction "and" to join the two independent clauses.)
  • "I went to the store, but I didn't buy any milk." (The comma is used with the coordinating conjunction "but" to join the two independent clauses.)

Q: What is the difference between a comma and a semicolon?

A: A comma is used to separate items in a list or to join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning.

Q: Can I use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are not closely related in meaning?

A: No, you should not use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are not closely related in meaning. A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning, such as:

  • "I went to the store; I bought some milk." (The two clauses are closely related in meaning.)
  • "I went to the store; I saw a friend." (The two clauses are not closely related in meaning.)

Q: How can I practice using subordinating words and avoiding comma splices?

A: Practice using subordinating words and avoiding comma splices by:

  • Reading and analyzing sentences that use subordinating words and coordinating conjunctions.
  • Writing your own sentences that use subordinating words and coordinating conjunctions.
  • Editing your own writing to ensure that you are using subordinating words and coordinating conjunctions correctly.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your understanding of subordinating words and coordinating conjunctions and avoid comma splices in your writing.