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Fused Sentences  

Fused sentences:

A fused sentence occurs when two complete sentences are put together with no punctuation and no conjunction to separate them.  We normally put two complete ideas together to show a close relationship.  This helps readers see connections and it creates an easy flow to the writing style. A fused sentence occurs when a writer emphasizes this flow in the wrong way.  A fused sentence does not show where an idea ends and another begins.

We can correct a fused sentence by:

(1) Placing a semicolon between the two close ideas, or

(2) Placing a comma and then either and, but, or or

Example:

John left his umbrella on the bus he dropped his gloves on the side walk.

Correction:

John left his umbrella on the bus; he dropped his gloves on the side walk.

John left his umbrella on the bus, and dropped his gloves on the sidewalk.