The Problem: Identifying Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only with a comma and nothing else. Some grammar handbooks call the comma splice, together with the fused sentence, a "run-on sentence." The term "run-on" often creates confusion in students because they think that a sentence that is long or "runs on" is wrong. This would be a mistake. For example, take a look at the following example:

Comma Splice Example: Robert eats worms, Mary dislikes Robert.

This sentence is fairly short; however, the comma that joins the two parts is wrong. In the language of formal written English, it is a "comma splice."

Terminology

Before we continue our discussion, it is important to understand some terms.

Clause: A group of words that has a subject and a verb. For example, in the sentence, "Mary dislikes Robert" the word Mary is the subject, and the word dislikes is the verb.

Independent Clause: A clause that can stand on its own as a sentence. The sentence "Robert eats worms" can stand alone without any other word or sentence. It is an independent clause.

Dependent Clause: A clause that cannot stand on its own as a sentence. The clause "Because Robert eats worms" cannot stand alone. It is not a sentence. However, it is a clause because "Robert" is the subject, and "eats" is the verb.

Coordinating Conjunction: Seven words that join clauses, phrases, or words. The words are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. If you take the first letter of each word, you have the word FANBOYS, which is a convenient mnemonic (memory) device to help you remember these words.

Subordinating Conjunctions: Words that join clauses and make one clause more (or less) important than the other. In other words, a subordinating conjunction "subordinates" one clause to another. Common subordinating conjunctions include the words: after, although, as, as if, as long as, as though, because, before, even if, even though, if, if only, in order that, now that, once, rather than, since, so that, that, though, till, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, while.

Conjunctive Adverb: A word, similar to a subordinating conjunction but with different properties, that connects two sentences. A semicolon (;) followed by the conjunctive adverb and a comma, must be used to join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb. Common conjunctive adverbs include: however, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, as a result, therefore.

The Solution: Fixing a Comma Splice

In standard written English, comma splices are not allowed. If you are writing for a formal audience (school, work, the web), it is important to avoid comma slices. To "splice" means to join, so a comma splice could easily have been called a comma JOIN, but the preferred term is "comma splice." Some people get confused and think that the word "splice" means to "separate," as in "split" + "slice" = "splice." But it is not that way.

To splice means to join, and in standard English, writers are not supposed to use comma splices in writing. It is a formal rule. Comma splices are easy errors for teachers, editors, and educated readers to notice.

The Five Ways to Fix a Comma Splice

Let us use the incorrectly punctuated sentence "Robert eats worms, Mary dislikes Robert" to illustrate the five ways of fixing a comma splice.

Make two sentences instead of one: Robert ate worms. Mary dislikes Robert.
Use a semicolon (;): Robert ate worms; Mary dislikes Robert.
Use a subordinating conjunction: (because, when, since, although,...). Because Robert ate worms, Mary dislikes Robert.
Use a semicolon plus a conjunctive adverb: (therefore, then, however,...). Robert ate worms; therefore, Mary dislikes Robert.
Use a coordinating conjunction: (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) - fanboys - after the comma. Robert ate worms, so Mary dislikes Robert.

Remember, you cannot use words like however and so just because they make grammatical sense. These words mean something. The words although, however, but, and yet indicate a contrast: I was on a diet; however, I still gained weight.

The words because, therefore, and so indicate a cause and effect relationship. The words and and then indicate that you are simply adding information. Use words cautiously.

A Final Example

Let us apply the five methods discussed above in correcting a comma splice.

Comma Splice: Johnny Cash was a great singer, he was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream.

Make two sentences: Johnny Cash was a great singer. He was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream.
Use a semicolon: Johnny Cash was a great singer; he was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream.
Use a subordinating conjunction: Although Johnny Cash was a great singer, he was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream.
Use a semicolon plus a conjunctive adverb: Johnny Cash was a great singer; however, he was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream.
Use a coordinating conjunction: Johnny Cash was a great singer, but he was never really accepted by the country music's mainstream.

Which one would you pick? Remember that as writers, we want to make the information clear to our readers. The last three methods make the relationship between the clauses very clear (a contrast between the clauses), so any of the last three examples would be appropriate.

You may have additional questions about using correct English. If you do, please contact me. My name is Jose M. Blanco. I teach English composition, and I have developed worksheets to help students and teachers alike. Please visit my website, http://www.grammar-worksheets.com for additional resources and contact information.