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    What Is A Comma Splice

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    A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. It is considered a grammatical error. Some ways to fix a comma splice are to add a conjunction like "and" or "but" after the comma, change the comma to a semicolon, or make each independent clause its own sentence. While comma splices should generally be avoided in formal writing, they can sometimes be used intentionally in fiction, rhetoric, or poetry to create certain effects.

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    What Is A Comma Splice

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    A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. It is considered a grammatical error. Some ways to fix a comma splice are to add a conjunction like "and" or "but" after the comma, change the comma to a semicolon, or make each independent clause its own sentence. While comma splices should generally be avoided in formal writing, they can sometimes be used intentionally in fiction, rhetoric, or poetry to create certain effects.

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    What Is a Comma Splice

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    What Is a Comma Splice

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    A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. It is considered a grammatical error. Some ways to fix a comma splice are to add a conjunction like "and" or "but" after the comma, change the comma to a semicolon, or make each independent clause its own sentence. While comma splices should generally be avoided in formal writing, they can sometimes be used intentionally in fiction, rhetoric, or poetry to create certain effects.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    31 views2 pages

    What Is A Comma Splice

    Uploaded by

    wiki
    A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. It is considered a grammatical error. Some ways to fix a comma splice are to add a conjunction like "and" or "but" after the comma, change the comma to a semicolon, or make each independent clause its own sentence. While comma splices should generally be avoided in formal writing, they can sometimes be used intentionally in fiction, rhetoric, or poetry to create certain effects.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 2

    What Is a Comma Splice?

    With Examples
     When you join two independent clauses with a comma and no conjunction, it’s called a comma splice. Some
    people consider this a type of run-on sentence, while other people think of it as a punctuation error.

     Here’s an example of a comma splice: Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials.

     There are three ways to fix a comma splice. You can add a conjunction, change the comma to a semicolon, or make
    each independent clause its own sentence.

    Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your spelling and save you
    from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even proofreads your text, so your work is polished wherever you write.

    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’s an example:

    Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials.

    How can you tell that’s a comma splice? Look at the group of words before the comma.

    Koala bears are not actually bears

    Did you notice that this group of words can stand by itself as a complete sentence? That means it’s an independent clause.

    Now look at the group of words after the comma.

    They are marsupials

    This group of words can also stand by itself as a complete sentence. It’s another independent clause.

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

    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.

    Fix #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’ll want to add is probably and, but, or so.

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

    Fix #2: Change the comma to a semicolon

    If adding a conjunction doesn’t seem to work, you can change the comma to a semicolon instead. Unlike commas,
    semicolons are strong enough to glue two independent clauses 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.
    Fix #3: Make separate sentences

    If adding a conjunction 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

    Are you getting the hang of it? 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 clause (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 those 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.

    In this case, the conjunction so fits the bill.

    Daniel was late, so we left without him.

    Or you could use a semicolon.

    Daniel was late; we left without him.

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

    Daniel was late. We left without him.

    Are comma splices ever OK?

    Yes! You should avoid comma splices in formal writing, but now that you know the rule, you can sometimes break it in more
    artistic types of writing.

    In fiction, for instance, you might use a comma splice to convey a character’s racing thoughts or observations.

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

    Comma splices can also create a sense of grandeur in rhetoric, but only if they’re 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 . . .

    That’s it! Now you’re ready to get out there and use your commas with confidence.

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