Comma Splices

What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice is a grammatical error and a misuse of the comma. It occurs when two main (or independent) clauses are incorrectly combined using only a comma.

Two independent clauses cannot be joined without a proper conjunction or without proper punctuation.

Comma Splice Examples

• We went to the store, we bought apples.

  • This example has two independent clauses, one on each side of the comma. This sentence needs a comma with a conjunction or a semicolon to be grammatically correct.

• The cat needs food, he is hungry.

  • Again, this example has two independent clauses. In order to be grammatically correct, this sentence needs to be split into two or a conjunction needs to be added.

A comma splice also creates a run-on sentence.

How to Fix a Comma Splice

Comma splices are not good grammar. Therefore, they should be corrected in any type of writing, be it formal, informal, essays, etc.

Let’s use the above example to show how to fix comma splices.

There are three ways to fix a comma splice.

1. Create two independent clauses.

   1. Incorrect: We went to the store, we bought apples.

   2. Correct: We went to the store. We bought apples.

2. Change the comma to a semicolon.

   1. Incorrect: We went to the store, we bought apples.

   2. Correct: We went to the store; we bought apples.

3. Leave the comma and add a conjunction.

   1. Incorrect: We went to the store, we bought apples.

   2. Correct: We went to the store, and we bought apples.

      This kind of conjunction is known as a coordination conjunction.

Note: Only use a semicolon if the sentences are of equal length and of equal importance.