what is a comma splice and how to fix it
You were probably taught back in grade school that run-on sentences are grammatically wrong and should be avoided similar the plague.
While there are a number of ways to prepare run-ons, calculation commas volition only piece of work in certain situations. To avoid creating a comma splice, you'll desire to brand sure you aren't asking for more than than what this picayune punctuation mark can handle.
What Is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice occurs when two contained clauses (two clauses that tin stand on their own as consummate sentences) are joined by a comma without a conjunction (words such equally and, nevertheless, but, and then on).
Comma splices tin exist considered run-on sentences, or simply punctuation errors. In this commodity we'll larn 3 different ways to fix a comma splice.
Comma Splice Examples
Below are 4 sentences that incorporate comma splices.
1. I don't know what he's doing, I didn't enquire him.
In the sentence above, the kickoff clause, "I don't know what he's doing," is independent because information technology can stand on its ain every bit a complete sentence.
The aforementioned can be said of the second clause, "I didn't enquire him." A comma is not plenty to hold two contained clauses together, which is why this is an example of a comma splice.
2. He wants to visit Sardinia, information technology's really beautiful in that location.
The clause before the comma, "He wants to visit Sardinia," tin can stand up on its own. Then, too, can "It'due south actually beautiful there."
This sentence can easily be rewritten every bit two sentences:
He wants to visit Sardinia. Information technology's really beautiful there.
Thus, this is another example of a comma splice.
iii. You were belatedly, I left without you.
Both of the in a higher place clauses would exist complete sentences on their own. You might detect while reading this judgement that something seems to exist missing; the two clauses seem similar they should be connected somehow, but we are not offered an explanation.
As you will see in the examples below, a conjunction could easily fix this comma splice.
iv. I love going to the embankment, information technology's so relaxing.
"I love going to the beach" and "It's so relaxing" could both pass every bit complete sentences on their own.
Although this judgement might often resemble the way nosotros speak in everyday life, it's still an instance of a comma splice.
How to Fix A Comma Splice
There are 3 main means to quickly correct a comma splice. To come across how each method can be put into do, let'due south use the following example:
I don't detest it, I don't love information technology, either.
Method i: Employ a Conjunction
A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or coordinates them within the same sentence. An piece of cake way to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions is with the FANBOYS acronym:
For
And
Due northor
But
Or
Yet
Southwardo
Using the example above, we can rewrite the sentence using the conjunction "just" to set up the comma splice:
I don't detest it,butI don't love it, either.
Inserting the conjunction as well adds more clarity and flow to the sentence.
Method 2: Apply a Semicolon
Another mode to fix a comma splice is past replacing the comma with a semicolon. Semicolons are stronger than commas and tin can hold together two independent clauses.
I don't hate it; I don't dear it, either.
All the same, when using a semicolon, make sure that in that location is a close enough connectedness between the two clauses. If the connection isn't obvious enough, a separate judgement might exist a better solution.
Method 3: Create Dissever Sentences
If adding a conjunction or using a semicolon doesn't seem appropriate, comma splices tin also be fixed by just making ii separate sentences.
I don't hate it. I don't love information technology, either.
While this doesn't make for the most interesting of compositions, it eliminates the issue of a run-on sentence and is notwithstanding more articulate.
Comma Splice Quiz
Download our Comma Splice Quiz (with answers) and see if you tin rewrite the following sentences without comma splices.
- Sarah didn't want to go to the beach today, it was also cloudy.
- Their breakup was inevitable, they were always arguing.
- I recollect I'll become to the mall, I don't feel like going to the movies.
- These flowers are lovely, they really brighten upwardly the room.
- I don't similar rap music, I prefer stone.
Is a Comma Splice Always Wrong?
Although comma splices are considered errors that should be avoided in formal writing, yous may have noticed that they announced quite often in creative writing.
This is especially true in dialogue, since comma splices often reverberate the way nosotros speak in real life. Most authors strive to brand their dialogue as realistic as possible, so including this "error" in their writing makes sense.
So while you should attempt to avert comma splices in academic or nonfiction writing, there might be a place for them in your fictional work.
What's your biggest grammatical pet peeve? Share information technology with us in the comments beneath!
If you found this mail helpful, and then you might also like:
- The Oxford Comma and Why it Matters
- How to Use a Semicolon: Rules and Examples
- The Comma Rule: Before But or After Merely?
- How to Arts and crafts Realistic Dialogue: 6 Dos (and 2 Don'ts) for Making Your Dialogue Sound Genuine
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a caste in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, simply her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending fourth dimension with her family.
Source: https://www.tckpublishing.com/comma-splice/
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