What Is a Comma Splice? How to Fix Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when a writer uses a [comma](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/comma-rules-explained) to join two independent clauses without placing a conjunction between the complete thoughts to link them. While it’s grammatically correct to link an independent clause and dependent clause with a comma, joining two independent clauses with a comma without placing a conjunction, or joining word, between them is an example of incorrect grammar. While formal and academic writing rules say that combining two independent clauses without a linking conjunction is a grammatical error, there are exceptions. It is acceptable for writers to use comma splices to emphasize a certain phrase or establish meaning in creative writing . For example, poets often incorporate comma splices into their works to create rhythm, as commas can indicate a pause for the reader or speaker in poetry. Fiction writers can also use comma splices to convey a character’s emotions or observations. Here’s how to identify a comma splice: - __Review the first part of the sentence__. First, review the first half of the sentence to determine the clause that occurs before the comma. Independent clauses are sentences that can stand on their own and include a subject and verb. Dependent clauses also contain a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a complete thought. Dependent clauses typically occur in the first part of [complex sentences](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complex-sentence-guide). - __Review the second part of the sentence__. After identifying the clause in the first portion of the sentence, determine the clause type in the second part. - __Decide whether the sentence contains a comma splice__. If the sentence contains two independent clauses without a linking conjunction, it is a comma splice. For example, the sentence, “I went to the store today, we were out of apples,” contains a comma splice because the clauses before and after the comma are independent, and there is no conjunction to link them. Here are some ways to fix a comma splice: - __Replace the comma with a semicolon__. Using a semicolon instead of a comma is one of the easiest ways to fix a comma splice error. While a comma cannot join two independent clauses, you can use a [semicolon](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/when-to-use-a-semicolon) to link them successfully. Simply replace the comma with a semicolon to correctly connect the two related sentences. - __Add a conjunction__. Conjunctions are connecting words, which writers use to join clauses and form a [compound sentence](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/compound-sentence-guide). “FANBOYS” is a mnemonic device and acronym that lays out the seven [coordinating conjunctions](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/coordinating-conjunction-explained) in the English language: “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.” A comma usually comes before the coordinating conjunction unless the clauses are short. To fix a comma splice with a conjunction, simply add the appropriate conjunction after the comma. - __Add a subordinating conjunction__. Like coordinating conjunctions, you can use [subordinating conjunctions](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-subordinating-conjunction) to connect clauses. Examples of subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “when,” “until,” “because,” “if,” and “unless.” To fix a comma splice with a subordinating conjunction, replace the comma with a subordinating conjunction that fits the sentence. - __Write two complete sentences__. You can also fix a comma splice by replacing the comma with a punctuation mark and creating two [complete sentences](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-sentence-structure-guide). Use this method if the two clauses express separate ideas. Comma splices can occur in different ways. Here are some examples of comma splices, along with ways to correct them: 1. __“Teaching is my passion, I love working with my students.”__ You can correct this comma splice by replacing the comma with a semicolon. Corrected example: “Teaching is my passion; I love working with my students.” 2. __“Heavy metal is a popular music genre, my favorite genre is jazz.”__ Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma to correct this comma splice. Corrected example: “Heavy metal is a popular music genre, but my favorite genre is jazz.” 3. __“They decided to walk to school today, it rained all morning.”__ To correct this comma splice, add a subordinating conjunction between the main and dependent clauses. Corrected example: “They decided to walk to school today because it rained all morning.” 4. __“I am writing a fiction novel, it’s about two people who meet overseas.”__ Create two separate sentences to fix this comma splice. Corrected example: “I am writing a fiction novel. It’s about two people who meet overseas.” While a comma splice can create a run-on sentence, there is a slight difference between the two grammatical errors. A comma splice occurs when a writer uses a comma to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction to link them. A run-on sentence occurs when a writer incorrectly fuses two or more complete sentences. Also known as fused sentences, run-on sentences do not separate distinct thoughts with proper punctuation and instead continue to express different ideas, combining multiple sentences. For example, the sentence, “I went for a jog today it was hot out,” is a run-on sentence because it combines two separate thoughts without correct punctuation. Become a better writer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Malcolm Gladwell, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, and more. A comma splice is a common grammatical error in the English language. Learn how to identify and correct comma splices in your writing.