Commas With Conjunctions Worksheet

Remember that a subordinate conjunction may be added to a sentence, which must then be attached to an independent sentence.  If either sentence begins with a subordinate conjunction, then the expression is not a comma splice.  Identify the sentences below by marking them C (Correct) or CS (Comma Splice).  Underline the subordinate conjunction at the beginning of the dependent word group.

_____  1. Since my roommate became known as “Mrs. Clean,” I have a new problem.

_____  2. You guessed it, now Claire stays on my back about being messy.

_____  3.  She hides my shoes and clothing when I don’t put them away immediately.

_____  4.  Although I try to keep things picked up, I am sometimes too tired to put my things away.

_____  5.  Claire waits until I leave the room, then she hides my shoes.

_____  6.  I think I was happier before I taught Claire her lesson.

            Each of the sentences below is either a comma splice or a run-on.  Correct the sentences in three different ways:

1.   With a period and a capital letter

2.  With a coordinate conjunction (but, and, or, yet, for, nor, so) preceded by a comma

3.    With a subordinate conjunction added before one of the clauses (you may need to reverse the order of the clauses).

EXAMPLE:  Dad heard what I had done, he was furious.

1.                  Dad heard what I had done.  He was furious.

2.                  Dad heard what I had done, and he was furious.

3a.       When Dad heard what I had done, he was furious.     OR

3b.       Dad was furious when he heard what I had done.

A.                My father was in the Air Force, we moved often.

B.                 The baby was frightened, he thought a monster was hiding in the shadows.

C.                I have never had to do my own laundry before, my mother did it for me.

D.                The kid using the other machine had the same problem he was folding ten pairs of pink jockey shorts and a pair of maroon socks.

E.                 I saw his laundry, I decided that one rule for doing laundry is “Sort carefully.”

F.                 I still hate doing laundry, I can do it if I want to, though.

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This page last updated on 2/06/03.