- Effective Writing Practices Tutorial
- Punctuation
- Comma Splice
Comma Splice
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When two complete sentences are joined by a comma, and there is no conjunction present, we get a comma splice.
Incorrect: She decided not to contribute to the project anymore, she had done her share of the work.
Correcting the Problem
These are closely related sentences, but each of them completes a thought; therefore, they either need a period, a semicolon, or a comma with a conjunction between them.
Rule To Remember
A comma splice occurs when two complete sentences are joined by a comma, and there is no conjunction present.
Correct: She decided not to contribute to the project anymore. She had done her share of the work.
Correct: She decided not to contribute to the project anymore; she had done her share of the work.
Comma Splices Can Be Avoided By Using
A period between two complete sentences.
Incorrect: A Minneapolis bridge collapsed last night, several people were reported missing.
Correct: A Minneapolis bridge collapsed last night. Several people were reported missing.
A semicolon between two complete sentences.
Incorrect: I got up late this morning, I missed my interview. I was having a terrible day!
Correct: I got up late this morning; I missed my interview. I was having a terrible day!
A conjunction (either coordinating or subordinating).
Incorrect: I am going out of town tomorrow, need to visit my grandmother.
Correct: I am going out of town tomorrow because I need to visit my grandmother.
Rule To Remember
A comma splice can be corrected with:
- A period
- A semicolon
- A conjunction
- A semicolon and a transitional word
A semicolon and a transitional word followed by a comma.
Incorrect: Our team completed the group project, haven't submitted it yet.
Correct: Our team completed the group project; however, we haven't submitted it yet.
Correct: Our team completed the group project. However, we haven't submitted it yet.
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