Comma Splices
Comma splices are similar to run-on sentences because they also incorrectly connect independent clauses. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are connected with only a comma. As with a run-on sentence, there are a few different ways to correct a comma splice. Consider the following sentence and the revised versions that follow it.
Comma Splice: My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together.
Correction 1: My family bakes together nearly every night. We then get to enjoy everything we make together.
The comma splice has been corrected by breaking the sentence into two separate sentences.
Correction 2: My family bakes together nearly every night, and we then get to enjoy everything we make together.
The comma splice has been corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction and a comma.
Correction 3: After my family bakes together nearly every night, we get to enjoy everything we make together.
The comma splice has been corrected by adding a subordinating conjunction and a comma.
Comma Splice Exercise
The following sentences are comma splices. For each sentence, suggest two possible revisions.
I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long.
She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding.
My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief.
Click here for exercise answers.