comma fault

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noun Grammar.

the use of a comma, rather than a semicolon, colon, or period, to separate related main clauses in the absence of a coordinating conjunction: often considered to be incorrect or undesirable, especially in formal writing.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also called comma splice.

Origin of comma fault

First recorded in 1930–35

Words nearby comma fault

comm., comma, comma bacillus, comma butterfly, Commack, comma fault, Commager, command, commandant, command car, command-driven

How to use comma fault in a sentence

For a few minutes it seemed like old times, a return to the clearer fault-lines of the Cold War.
Indefensible but Indispensable America|Jamie Dettmer|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Race is the San Andreas Fault of our culture as well as our history.
The Wildly Peaceful, Human, Almost Boring, Ultimately Great New York City Protests for Eric Garner|Mike Barnicle|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It seemed she echoed all the things I was telling myself—this is YOUR fault.
How I Stopped My Rapist|Natasha Alexenko|November 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Big Bird's honest reaction will emotionally wreck you in a way even The Fault in Our Stars can't.
‘Sesame Street’ Is Middle-Aged and Awesome|Emily Shire|November 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

It distorts more and more every day of the month, every year, due to the slow effects of fault creep.
Silicon Valley Mansions, Swallowed Alive|Geoff Manaugh|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You never cared—you were too proud to care; and when I spoke to you about my fault, you did n't even know what I meant.
Confidence|Henry James
De Robeck agrees that we don't know enough yet to warrant us in fault-finding or intervention.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
At other times they have a dreadful look of being fibs invented for the purpose of covering a fault.
Children's Ways|James Sully
The French Railroads are better in this respect, and the American cannot be worse, though the fault is not unknown there.
Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley
At the very commencement of the campaign Massna committed a fault which almost ruined his career.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison