Grammar
Comma Splice
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are incorrectly joined with only a comma.
The Error
Comma splice: "I love writing, it helps me think clearly."
Both parts could stand alone as sentences, so a comma isn't enough to join them.
How to Fix It
| Method | Example |
|---|---|
| Period | I love writing. It helps me think clearly. |
| Semicolon | I love writing; it helps me think clearly. |
| Conjunction | I love writing, and it helps me think clearly. |
| Subordination | I love writing because it helps me think clearly. |
More Examples
Wrong: "The experiment failed, we tried again." Right: "The experiment failed, so we tried again."
Wrong: "She studied hard, she passed the exam." Right: "She studied hard; she passed the exam."
The easiest fix is often adding a conjunction (and, but, so, yet) after the comma.
Quick Test
Cover everything after the comma. If what remains is a complete sentence, AND what follows the comma is also complete, you likely have a comma splice.