What is a Comma Splice?

What is a comma splice in English grammar? A comma splice in English grammar is a common grammatical error which happens when we join two independent clauses with a comma; that is, a comma splice is the joining of two independent clauses (independent clauses are complete sentences which do not need any other sentence to complete their meanings.) with the help of a comma which is, in formal writing, considered to be grammatically incorrect.

Also read: Independent Clauses

Comprehending what a comma splice is, how it takes place and how to correct it is very important for all level learners of English in order to make writings clear, effective and efficient. Give this article a full reading to master the comma splice definition, examples and tips to correct it. 

This article covers:

• What is a comma splice? 
• Examples of Comma Splices 
• Reasons for a comma splice
• Problems caused by a comma splice 
• Tips to identify comma splices and correct them
• FAQs - What is a comma splice

What is a Comma Splice?

What does a comma splice mean? The word "splice" in the phrase "comma splice" means "a join consisting of two ropes joined together at the ends." Simply put, a splice is the joint of two ropes. Now, a comma splice is the use of a comma to join two independent clauses (independent clauses are complete sentences which do not need any other sentence to complete their meanings.)

What is the definition of a comma splice? A comma splice, by definition, is making the mistake of connecting two independent clauses with a comma. Note that we use either the coordinating conjunctions, FANBOYS [FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so] or a semi-colon to join two independent clauses.

Examples of a Comma Splice:

Incorrect: I went to the market, I bought a chocolate.

Correct: I went to the market; I bought a chocolate.

In the example above, "I went to the market" and "I bought a chocolate" are the two independent clauses. Using a comma to connect these two independent clauses is called a comma splice which is a grammatical error.

Reasons for Comma Splices

Now the question is why comma splices occur exactly. There're several reasons why they happen. Here are some of the common reasons for the occurrence of a comma splice in writing:

1. Lack of Understanding of Sentence Structures: In structural grammar, there are many types of sentences such simple, compound and complex sentences. People who don't understand them properly commit the mistake of using a comma to join two independent clauses.

2. The Misuse of Punctuation Marks: To join two independent clauses, semicolons and conjunctions are used, but people tend to use commas for the same mistakenly. 

3. Improper Writing Style: People tend to use commas to join two independent clauses, because they attempt to create connected statements, and they commit comma splices in the process.

Analyzing a Comma Splice 

If you want to better understand comma splices, look at the below-given examples and the analysis to teach yourself why they are grammatically incorrect and how to correct them.

Example A: Comma Splice: We love to read, We go to the library every day.

Analysis: "We love to read" and "we go to the library every day" are independent clauses that need a clearer separation.

Corrected: We love to read; we go to the library every day. (using a semicolon)

Alternative corrected: We love to read, so we go to the library every day. (using a conjunction)

Example B: Comma Splice: The weather was perfect, we decided to go out.

Analysis: Both "The weather was perfect" and "we decided to go out" are independent clauses. 

Corrected: The weather was perfect. We decided to go for a hike. (using a period)

Alternative corrected: The weather was perfect, and we decided to go for a hike. (using a comma plus the conjunction "and")

Example C: Comma Splice: She finished her homework, she went out to play.

Analysis: "She finished her homework" and "she went out to play" are independent clauses.

Corrected: she finished her homework, then she went out to play. (using "then")

Alternative corrected: she finished her homework; she went out to play. (using a semicolon)

How to Correct Comma Splices?

To correct comma splices, we can use many methods. All of the methods are dependent upon the the connection between the two independent clauses. Here are the most common methods to correct comma splices:

1. Using a Period: We can correct a comma splice using a full stop by separating the clauses into two distinct sentences.

Example: Comma splice: The project was due, I worked all night.

Corrected: The project was due. I worked all night. (using a full stop)

2. Using a Semicolon: We can correct a comma splice by using a semicolon. If the clauses are closely related, a semicolon can be used to link them.

Example: The sun set, we lit the campfire.

Corrected: The sun set; we lit the campfire.

3. Using a Coordinating Conjunction: Adding any of FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) with a comma to connect the two independent clauses properly.

Example: She was tired, she kept working.

Corrected: She was tired, but she kept working.

4. Using a Subordinating Conjunction: Converting one of the clauses into a dependent clause using one of subordinating conjunctions (although, because, since, when, etc.).

Example: It was raining, we canceled the picnic.

Corrected: Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.

Alternative corrected: We canceled the picnic because it was raining.

Comma Splice Exercises 

To master the correction of comma splices, practice identifying and correcting them. Here are a few exercises for identifying and correcting comma splices:

Sentence 1: The test was difficult, I studied hard for it.

Corrected: The test was difficult. I studied hard for it.

Alternative corrected: The test was difficult, so I studied hard for it.

Sentence 2: She enjoys hiking, her brother prefers biking.

Corrected: She enjoys hiking; her brother prefers biking.

Alternative corrected: She enjoys hiking, but her brother prefers biking.

Sentence 3: He didn’t see the stop sign, he ran into the intersection.

Corrected: He didn’t see the stop sign. He ran into the intersection.

Alternative corrected: He didn’t see the stop sign, so he ran into the intersection.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid Comma Splices in Writing

Tip 1: Understand Clause Structures: you need to recognize independent and dependent clauses to use appropriate punctuation marks and avoid comma splices.

Tip 2: Proofread The Sentences: You need to review your writing to identify potential comma splices and correct them. Make sure that you proofread before publishing your writings.

Tip 3: Use Conjunctions Appropriately: Make sure that conjunctions are correctly used with commas to join clauses.

Tip 4: Learn and Apply Clause Rules: You must familiarize yourself with grammar rules that are related to punctuation marks and sentence structures.

Conclusion - What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice is a common grammatical error that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma. Comma splice errors can lead to confusion, ambiguity, and a loss of clarity in writing. Therefore, you need to make sure that you understand what a comma splice is, how to recognize it, and how to apply the appropriate methods to correct it.

On the other hand, you need to practice identifying and understanding and correcting comma splices on a regular basis in order to master the chapter. That said, you need to learn grammatical rules that are related to clauses and sentence structures. You can't also forget to learn the proper use of punctuation marks in English.