Comma Splices
A comma splice is one of the most common writing errors. A comma splice incorrectly joins two complete ideas—that is, ideas that could stand alone as complete sentences (sometimes referred to as independent clauses)—with a comma but no conjunction. Here’s an example of a comma splice:
◊ I’ll meet you downtown at three o’clock, I need you to help me fill out an application.
Here are four ways to correct comma splice errors:
1. Write two separate sentences, making sure that each is complete:
◊ I’ll meet you downtown at three o’clock. I need you to help me fill out an application.
2. Join the two ideas with a semicolon if the ideas are closely related enough to belong in the same sentence.
◊ I’ll meet you downtown at three o’clock; I need you to help me fill out an application.
3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction* to join the ideas.
◊ I’ll meet you downtown at three o’clock, and I need you to help me fill out an application.
*Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS, or
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
4. Use a subordinating conjunction* to join the ideas.
◊ I’ll meet you downtown at three o’clock because I need you to help me fill out an application.
*Subordinating Conjunctions (some of them): after, although, as, as if, as though, because, before, even though, if, since, so that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, whether, while.