(CS) Comma Splice

Comma Splices ExplainedComma Splices Explained - Notes

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (clauses that can stand alone as separate sentences) are joined together with just a comma and without a coordinating conjunction. This is considered a grammatical error in English because the comma alone is not strong enough to connect independent clauses. Here are several ways to correct a comma splice: 1. Use a Period - Split the Independent Clauses: Transform the comma splice into two separate sentences using a period. This is a simple and effective way to correct the error. - Example: - Comma Splice: “She completed her essay, she submitted it late.” - Corrected: “She completed her essay. She submitted it late.”

Use a Semicolon

• Join the Clauses with a Semicolon: If the two clauses are closely related and you want to keep them in one sentence, use a semicolon.

• Example:

  • Comma Splice: “The sun was setting, the sky turned pink and orange.”

  • Corrected: “The sun was setting; the sky turned pink and orange.”

Add a Coordinating Conjunction

• Use a Comma and a Conjunction: Insert a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) after the comma.

• Example:

  • Comma Splice: “He enjoys reading, he doesn’t have much time for it.”

  • Corrected: “He enjoys reading, but he doesn’t have much time for it.”

Use a Subordinating Conjunction

• Create a Complex Sentence: Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction (because, since, although, if, when, etc.).

• Example:

  • Comma Splice: “It started to rain, we went inside.”

  • Corrected: “Because it started to rain, we went inside.”

Use a Dash or Colon

• Colon for Explanation: If the second clause explains or elaborates on the first, a colon can be appropriate.

• Dash for Emphasis or Interruption: A dash can be used for emphasis or to indicate an abrupt change in thought.

• Example:

  • Comma Splice: “She loves art, she visits the museum every weekend.”

  • Corrected: “She loves art: she visits the museum every weekend.” or “She loves art - she visits the museum every weekend.”

Examples of Correcting Comma Splices

• Original Comma Splice: “The project is due soon, we haven’t started working on it.”

• Corrected Versions:

  • Using a Period: “The project is due soon. We haven’t started working on it.”

  • Using a Semicolon: “The project is due soon; we haven’t started working on it.”

  • Using a Conjunction: “The project is due soon, but we haven’t started working on it.”

  • Using a Subordinating Conjunction: “Although the project is due soon, we haven’t started working on it.”

Correcting a comma splice enhances the clarity and grammatical correctness of your writing. Each method of correction offers a slightly different nuance, allowing you to choose the one that best fits the context and desired flow of your text (See (WD) Written discourse.).