This article will tell what a comma splice is, correct it and when this error is not necessarily an error.
The English language has several rules regarding the use of commas. Since the comma is one of the language's most commonly used punctuation marks, it also tends to be the most misused. While writers (and non-writers) can misuse the comma in a number of ways, the comma splice is one of the most common errors. This article will cover not only what a comma splice is but also suggest ways to correct it and let you know when this “error” might actually be acceptable.
What is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with a comma but no conjunction. As you probably know, an independent clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate that can stand alone as a simple sentence. Having two independent clauses together leaves the writer with two options: to write them as separate sentences or to join them. Consider the following sentence as an example of a comma splice.
Kristy forgot to set her alarm, she woke up forty minutes late.
Ways to Correct a Comma Splice
One way to remedy this particular error is to separate it into two sentences. These particular clauses require the addition of a period (.) to remedy the comma splice. Depending on the sentence, a question mark (?) or an exclamation mark (!) may be better.
Kristy forgot to set her alarm. She woke up forty minutes late.
Another acceptable remedy for a comma splice is to add a conjunction after the comma. A conjunction, in its simplest definition, is a word (or occasionally a phrase) that connects sentences, clauses, or words within a clause. In this case, when joining two independent clauses of equal rank, the sentence requires a coordinating conjunction, and the most common coordinating conjunctions include and, but, or, nor, and so. The following sentences show good examples of correcting the comma splice with a conjunction.
Kristy forgot to set her alarm, and she woke up forty minutes late.
Kristy forgot to set her alarm, so she woke up forty minutes late.
Finally, this comma splice can also be corrected with a semicolon. A semicolon (;) is stronger than an comma but weaker than a period. Its most common use is separating two independent clauses not joined with a conjunction.
Kristy forgot to set her alarm; she woke up forty minutes late.
When a Comma Splice is not an Error
Like many rules, this one has a few exceptions, so some sentences may actually require a comma splice as the most effective punctuation. For instance, when the independent clauses are very short, especially when they have the same subject, the comma splice might be correct. The sentence below shows the most famous example of this.
I came, I saw, I conquered.
Obviously, a semicolon would be too strong in a sentence such as this one, so the comma splice works. Another situation where the comma splice may be best is when two short independent clauses express contrast.
It is not a dolphin, it's a porpoise.
While there are exceptions to the rule, it's best to use the comma splice sparingly or not at all. You can usually find better ways to punctuate your sentences.
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