Comma splice: the SAT reading & writing trap
Short answer: A comma alone can't join two sentences. Use a period, a semicolon, or comma + and/but/so.
The trap, in one question
The museum opened in 1902___ it still draws huge crowds.
Tempting answer: 1902, it
Correct answer: 1902; it (or a period)
How to spot it in 3 seconds
A comma alone can't join two sentences. Use a period, a semicolon, or comma + and/but/so.
FAQ
What is the comma splice trap on the SAT?
Example: The museum opened in 1902___ it still draws huge crowds. The tempting answer is 1902, it; the correct answer is 1902; it (or a period).
How do you avoid the comma splice trap?
A comma alone can't join two sentences. Use a period, a semicolon, or comma + and/but/so.
More Reading & Writing traps
RW1Semicolon = two full sentencesRW2Colon needs a full sentence before itRW4Dashes come in matching pairsRW5Extra info needs commas on both sides
← Colon needs a full sentence before it · Dashes come in matching pairs →
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