What is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice occurs when two or more complete sentences (i.e. independent clauses) are improperly joined with only a comma.
Some examples of comma splices would be the following:
Comma Splice: I hate tomatoes, I don’t even put ketchup on my fries.
Correct it with a Semicolon: I hate tomatoes; I don’t even put ketchup on my fries.
Correct it with a Period: I hate tomatoes. I don’t even put ketchup on my fries.
Correct it with a Coordinating Conjunction: I hate tomatoes, and I don’t even put ketchup on my fries.
Comma Splice: Mike is a talented violinist, he sits first chair in the orchestra.
Correct it with a Semicolon: Mike is a talented violinist; he sits first chair in the orchestra.
Correct it with a Period: Mike is a talented violinist. He sits first chair in the orchestra.
Correct it with a Coordinating Conjunction: Mike is a talented violinist, and he sits first chair in the orchestra.
Comma Splice: I hope there isn’t traffic, I need to get home and walk my dog.
Correct it with a Semicolon: I hope there isn’t traffic; I need to get home and walk my dog.
Correct it with a Period: I hope there isn’t traffic. I need to get home and walk my dog.
Correct it with a Coordinating Conjunction: I hope there isn’t traffic, for I need to get home and walk my dog.
Long-Form Videos: Comma Splices
Long-form instructional video lessons allow students to engage with grammar concepts in more depth and detail.
This format provides students with a stronger foundation and a more comprehensive understanding of comma splices.
Short-Form Videos: Comma Splices
Short-form videos are an excellent way to review grammar concepts. Our two-minute instructional videos help students review the concept of comma splices to further solidify their understanding.
Memorable Images: Comma Splices
The use of images to connect visual cues with concepts makes it simpler for students to grasp and remember key ideas. GrammarFlip’s memorable images create visual associations that make comma splices more engaging and easier to retain.
Definition Cards: Comma Splices
Definition cards reinforce grammar concepts by providing clear and concise explanations that students can easily reference for quick review and better retention. GrammarFlip’s definintion cards help students review the concept of comma splices to further solidify their understanding.
Why You Should Avoid Comma Splices in Your Writing
Avoiding comma splices is important primarily because using them is grammatically incorrect, but additionally, they can disrupt the readability of your writing and question your credibility as a writer.
Remember: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (ie, two complete sentences) are incorrectly joined by just a comma without a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation. Below are three ways in which you can correct comma splices:
Add a semicolon in place of the comma splice.
Comma Splice: The game was over, we walked home.
Correction with a Semicolon: The game was over; we walked home.
Add a period in place of the comma splice.
Comma Splice: The game was over, we walked home.
Correction with a Period: The game was over. We walked home.
Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma splice.
Comma Splice: The game was over, we walked home.
Correction with a Coordinating Conjunction: The game was over, so we walked home.
Avoiding comma splices is critical for conveying your ideas clearly and accurately. Other writing errors such as run-on sentences and sentence fragments are important to avoid as well, so be sure you are familiar with those.
Download a Free Worksheet on Comma Splices!
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