Understanding Comma Splices: How to Fix Them!

Hey there! In this blog post, let’s discuss a common writing mistake called the “comma splice.” You might have heard the term before, or maybe you’re wondering what it even is. Don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll not only know what a comma splice is, but also how to fix it—and avoid it in the future.

What Is a Comma Splice?

So, what exactly is a comma splice? Understanding comma splices and how to fix them is very important. A comma splice happens when you try to join two independent clauses (complete sentences) with just a comma. The problem is that a comma alone isn’t strong enough to connect two full sentences properly. Think of it like this: commas are good at making small connections, but when it comes to linking two complete ideas, they need a little more help.

Incorrect Sentence (Comma Splice):

• I finished my homework, I went out to play.

Here, both parts of the sentence could stand alone as complete sentences. “I finished my homework.” is a complete sentence, and “I went out to play.” is also a complete sentence. So, using just a comma between them creates a comma splice.

Correct Sentence:

• I finished my homework, so I went out to play.

See the difference? Adding “so” gives the sentence a smooth and correct flow. There are a few other ways to fix comma splices, which we’ll cover next.

Now let us understand comma splices and how to fix them by observing the following sentences.

10 Examples of Incorrect (Comma Splice) and Correct Sentences

Let’s look at some more examples:

1. Incorrect: She loves to read, she spends hours with books.
   Correct: She loves to read, and she spends hours with books.
2. Incorrect: The sun was shining, we decided to go for a walk.
   Correct: The sun was shining, so we decided to go for a walk.
3. Incorrect: It’s raining, I forgot my umbrella.
   Correct: It’s raining, and I forgot my umbrella.
4. Incorrect: He didn’t study for the test, he failed.
   Correct: He didn’t study for the test, so he failed.
5. Incorrect: I’m hungry, let’s grab lunch.
   Correct: I’m hungry. Let’s grab lunch.
6. Incorrect: She sings beautifully, people love listening to her.
   Correct: She sings beautifully, and people love listening to her.
7. Incorrect: We went shopping, then we had dinner.
   Correct: We went shopping, and then we had dinner.
8. Incorrect: The car broke down, we had to walk home.
   Correct: The car broke down, so we had to walk home.
9. Incorrect: I love ice cream, my favorite flavor is chocolate.
   Correct: I love ice cream, and my favorite flavor is chocolate.
10. Incorrect: The movie was great, I would watch it again.
    Correct: The movie was great, and I would watch it again.

How to Fix a Comma Splice: 5 Easy Methods

Now that you know what a comma splice is, let’s look at five simple ways to fix them.

1. Use a Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)

One of the easiest ways to fix a comma splice is to add a coordinating conjunction like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (these are often remembered as FANBOYS). These words help connect two independent clauses smoothly.

Examples:

• Incorrect: She was tired, she went to bed early.
  Correct: She was tired, so she went to bed early.
• Incorrect: He didn’t like the food, he still ate it.
  Correct: He didn’t like the food, but he still ate it.
• Incorrect: I wanted to join the team, I didn’t have the time.
  Correct: I wanted to join the team, but I didn’t have the time.
• Incorrect: They were late, we started without them.
  Correct: They were late, so we started without them.
• Incorrect: The concert was sold out, we couldn’t get tickets.
  Correct: The concert was sold out, so we couldn’t get tickets.

2. Separate the Sentences with a Period

Sometimes, the simplest solution is to break the two independent clauses into separate sentences with a period.

Examples:

• Incorrect: The dog barked, the cat hissed.
  Correct: The dog barked. The cat hissed.
• Incorrect: She ran fast, she won the race.
  Correct: She ran fast. She won the race.
• Incorrect: The weather was bad, we stayed indoors.
  Correct: The weather was bad. We stayed indoors.
• Incorrect: I made dinner, they didn’t eat it.
  Correct: I made dinner. They didn’t eat it.
• Incorrect: The train was delayed, we waited at the station.
  Correct: The train was delayed. We waited at the station.

3. Use a Semicolon

A semicolon is like a super comma—it’s stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. It can be used to link two related independent clauses.

Examples:

• Incorrect: The house was empty, the lights were on.
  Correct: The house was empty; the lights were on.
• Incorrect: He finished his work, he left the office.
  Correct: He finished his work; he left the office.
• Incorrect: The game was intense, the crowd was cheering.
  Correct: The game was intense; the crowd was cheering.
• Incorrect: The teacher spoke, the students listened.
  Correct: The teacher spoke; the students listened.
• Incorrect: I was exhausted, I still managed to finish the project.
  Correct: I was exhausted; I still managed to finish the project.

4. Use a Subordinating Conjunction

You can also use a subordinating conjunction (like because, although, since, when) to turn one of the clauses into a dependent clause.

Examples:

• Incorrect: She was late, she missed the meeting.
  Correct: Because she was late, she missed the meeting.
• Incorrect: I was hungry, I didn’t eat breakfast.
  Correct: Although I was hungry, I didn’t eat breakfast.
• Incorrect: It was cold outside, we went for a walk.
  Correct: Even though it was cold outside, we went for a walk.
• Incorrect: He forgot his umbrella, it started raining.
  Correct: Since he forgot his umbrella, it started raining.
• Incorrect: She didn’t study, she passed the exam.
  Correct: Even though she didn’t study, she passed the exam.

5. Change the Comma to a Dash

Sometimes, using a dash instead of a comma can add a pause or emphasis between the clauses. It’s a less formal solution, but it works well in casual writing.

Examples:

• Incorrect: I was excited, I couldn’t wait to tell them.
  Correct: I was excited—I couldn’t wait to tell them.
• Incorrect: He opened the door, he found a surprise.
  Correct: He opened the door—he found a surprise.
• Incorrect: The plan was risky, we went for it anyway.
  Correct: The plan was risky—we went for it anyway.
• Incorrect: The movie ended, everyone clapped.
  Correct: The movie ended—everyone clapped.
• Incorrect: She hesitated, then she made the call.
  Correct: She hesitated—then she made the call.

Wrapping It Up

So far we have learned understanding comma splices and how to fix them! Comma splices are a common issue, but they’re easy to fix once you know how! Whether you’re adding a conjunction, breaking up sentences, or using a semicolon, there are plenty of ways to make sure your writing is clear and grammatically correct. The next time you spot a comma splice in your work, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy writing!

Also refer to:

• What are Punctuation Marks in English?