75Based on a comprehensive study, scientists now declare vitamin C a necessary component of collagen formation.
Step 1: Spot the intro phrase followed by a comma (Based on a comprehensive study).
Step 2: Ask: Who or what is based on the comprehensive study? According to the sentence as written, scientists.
But scientists CANNOT be based on a study.
Step 3: Let’s change the verb in the modifying phrase to relying.
Revised sentence: Relying on a comprehensive study, scientists now declare vitamin C a necessary component
of collagen formation.
Rule #15: Run-On Sentences ..................................................................
How to Find: Look for a comma splice.
- The coach likes to yell at his players, he thinks such a tactic incites them to work harder.
How to Fix: Insert a conjunction after the comma or replace the comma with a semicolon.
Or look for two independent clauses that are not properly connected.
- Bill likes to dance he is a professional salsa dancer.
How to Fix: Insert a semicolon or insert a comma followed by a conjunction.
Let’s take a look at the comma splice.
The visual clue is an independent clause, followed by a comma, followed by a pronoun,
such as he, she, they, it, or this.
Working out at least three times a week is the key to a healthy heart, it also ensures a fit, more lean body.
Step 1: Spot the visual: (“...heart, it...”) We have two independent clauses. Working out at least three times a
week is the key to a healthy heart (a sentence that can stand perfectly well on its own two feet) and
it also ensures a fit, more lean body (another sentence that exists independently).
Step 2: Insert a conjunction, or remove the comma and insert a semicolon.
Revision 1: Working out at least three times a week is the key to a healthy heart, and it also ensures a fit, more lean
body.
Revision 2: Working out at least three times a week is the key to a healthy heart; it also ensures a fit, more lean body.
A dependent clause or a phrase followed by a comma is perfectly okay.
Ta ke a look:
- With no chance of parole, the convict accepted his fate glumly.
The phrase, with no chance of parole, cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence, so should be followed by
a comma and the subsequent independent clause (the convict accepted his fate glumly).