What Is a Comma Splice? How to Fix Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when a writer uses a comma to join two independent clauses without placing a conjunction between the complete thoughts to link them. While it’s grammatically correct to link an independent clause and dependent clause with a comma, joining two independent clauses with a comma without placing a conjunction, or joining word, between them is an example of incorrect grammar.

While formal and academic writing rules say that combining two independent clauses without a linking conjunction is a grammatical error, there are exceptions. It is acceptable for writers to use comma splices to emphasize a certain phrase or establish meaning in creative writing. For example, poets often incorporate comma splices into their works to create rhythm, as commas can indicate a pause for the reader or speaker in poetry. Fiction writers can also use comma splices to convey a character’s emotions or observations.

Here’s how to identify a comma splice:

• Review the first part of the sentence. First, review the first half of the sentence to determine the clause that occurs before the comma. Independent clauses are sentences that can stand on their own and include a subject and verb. Dependent clauses also contain a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a complete thought. Dependent clauses typically occur in the first part of complex sentences.
• Review the second part of the sentence. After identifying the clause in the first portion of the sentence, determine the clause type in the second part.
• Decide whether the sentence contains a comma splice. If the sentence contains two independent clauses without a linking conjunction, it is a comma splice. For example, the sentence, “I went to the store today, we were out of apples,” contains a comma splice because the clauses before and after the comma are independent, and there is no conjunction to link them.

Here are some ways to fix a comma splice:

• Replace the comma with a semicolon. Using a semicolon instead of a comma is one of the easiest ways to fix a comma splice error. While a comma cannot join two independent clauses, you can use a semicolon to link them successfully. Simply replace the comma with a semicolon to correctly connect the two related sentences.
• Add a conjunction. Conjunctions are connecting words, which writers use to join clauses and form a compound sentence. “FANBOYS” is a mnemonic device and acronym that lays out the seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language: “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.” A comma usually comes before the coordinating conjunction unless the clauses are short. To fix a comma splice with a conjunction, simply add the appropriate conjunction after the comma.
• Add a subordinating conjunction. Like coordinating conjunctions, you can use subordinating conjunctions to connect clauses. Examples of subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “when,” “until,” “because,” “if,” and “unless.” To fix a comma splice with a subordinating conjunction, replace the comma with a subordinating conjunction that fits the sentence.
• Write two complete sentences. You can also fix a comma splice by replacing the comma with a punctuation mark and creating two complete sentences. Use this method if the two clauses express separate ideas.

Comma splices can occur in different ways. Here are some examples of comma splices, along with ways to correct them:

1. 1. “Teaching is my passion, I love working with my students.” You can correct this comma splice by replacing the comma with a semicolon. Corrected example: “Teaching is my passion; I love working with my students.”
2. 2. “Heavy metal is a popular music genre, my favorite genre is jazz.” Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma to correct this comma splice. Corrected example: “Heavy metal is a popular music genre, but my favorite genre is jazz.”
3. 3. “They decided to walk to school today, it rained all morning.” To correct this comma splice, add a subordinating conjunction between the main and dependent clauses. Corrected example: “They decided to walk to school today because it rained all morning.”
4. 4. “I am writing a fiction novel, it’s about two people who meet overseas.” Create two separate sentences to fix this comma splice. Corrected example: “I am writing a fiction novel. It’s about two people who meet overseas.”
   

While a comma splice can create a run-on sentence, there is a slight difference between the two grammatical errors. A comma splice occurs when a writer uses a comma to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction to link them. A run-on sentence occurs when a writer incorrectly fuses two or more complete sentences.

Also known as fused sentences, run-on sentences do not separate distinct thoughts with proper punctuation and instead continue to express different ideas, combining multiple sentences. For example, the sentence, “I went for a jog today it was hot out,” is a run-on sentence because it combines two separate thoughts without correct punctuation.

Become a better writer with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Malcolm Gladwell, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, and more.