What is a Comma Splice? With Examples

by | Nov 27, 2024 | English Punctuation | 0 comments

Have you ever read two complete sentences joined together with a comma? Using a comma to connect two complete and independent sentences is an error in writing. This error is often known as comma splice. We will talk more in detail later in this article.

In this article, you will learn what comma splice is, how to fix comma splice, and how to make your writing better by avoiding comma splice.

Table of Contents

What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice is a particular kind of comma mistake that happens when you use a comma to join two independent clauses. Here is an example:

  • Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials. (incorrect)

A comma splice is a particular kind of comma mistake that happens when you use a comma to join two independent clauses. Here is an example:

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How to fix a comma splice

There are three common ways to fix a comma splice. Let’s look at a new example:

  • I am not angry with you, I am not happy with you, either. (incorrect)

When you have two independent clauses, a comma is not strong enough to glue them together.

1. Add a conjunction

One way to fix a comma splice is to add a conjunction immediately after the comma. With most comma splices, the conjunction you’lll want to add is probably and, but, or so.

  • I am not angry with you, but I am not happy with you, either.

2. Change the comma to a semicolon

If adding a conjuction doesn’t seem to work, you can change the comma to a semicolon instead. Unlike commas, semicolon are strong enough to glue two independent cluases together. 

  • I am not angry with you; I am not happy with you, either.

If you decide to use a semicolon, make sure there is a close, logical connection between the two independent clauses.

3. Make separate sentences

If adding a conjuction doesn’t seem to work and using a semicolon feels too stuffy, you can fix a comma splice by simply making each independent clause a separate sentence. 

  • I am not angry with you. I am not happy with you, either.

Examples of comma splices

Here are a few more examples of comma splices and possible corrections. 

 

  • I’m thinking of skipping English class, it’s really boring.

Adding a conjunction like and or but after the comma in the sentence above doesn’t really make sense. But there does seem to be a close, logical connection between the first independent clause (I’m thinking of skipping English class) and the second independent clasue (It’s really boring). This is the perfect situation for a semicolon.

  • I’m thinking of skipping English class; it’s really boring. 

You could also break two independent clauses apart and make them separate sentences.

  • I’m thinking of skipping English class. It’s really boring. 

Let’s try another:

  • Daniel was late, we left without him. (incorrect)

In this case, the conjunction fits the bill.

  • Daniel was late, so we left without him. (correct)

Or you could use a semicolon.

  • Daniel was late; we left without him. (correct)

Or you could make two sentences, especially if you want to sound blunt.

  • Daniel was late. We left without him. (correct)

Are comma splices ever ok?

Let’s try another:

  • She was beautiful, she was gorgeous, she was ravishing.

Comma splices can also create a sense of grandeur in rhetoric, but only if they are used sparingly.

  • I came, I saw, I conquered.

And in poetry, of course, the rules are even more relaxed. Sometimes, a comma splice creates just the right rhythm.

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day…

Conclusion

A comma splice refer to an error when it is caused by placing comma in between two complete sentences. To avoid this error, you can make your writing clear for better understanding. 

I hope this article helped you to learn what a comma splice is and how to fixt this error to make your writing more better because the goal is to make your writing clear and correct which make sense for your readers.

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