Comma Splices: A Quick Reference

A comma splice happens when two complete sentences are joined with only a comma.

Wrong: I finished the essay, I still need to proofread it.

Both halves of that sentence could stand alone. A comma alone is not strong enough to hold them together.

Four Ways to Fix It

1. Add a period. Make two separate sentences. I finished the essay. I still need to proofread it.
2. Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma. Use and, but, or, so, nor, for, yet. I finished the essay, but I still need to proofread it.
3. Replace the comma with a semicolon. Use this only when the two ideas are closely related. I finished the essay; I still need to proofread it.
4. Turn one half into a dependent clause. Add a word like although, because, since, or while. Although I finished the essay, I still need to proofread it.

Common Mistakes

• Using “however” like “but.” However is not a coordinating conjunction. I finished the essay, however I still need to proofread it is still a splice. Fix it with a semicolon or a period: I finished the essay; however, I still need to proofread it.
• Adding a comma out of nervousness. If you are not sure a sentence needs a comma, read it out loud. If there is no natural pause, there is probably no comma.
• Assuming “and” fixes everything. And only fixes a splice if the sentence still makes sense with it. If the two halves are not actually related as a pair of parallel actions, look for a better conjunction or split the sentence instead.

Practice

Fix each of the following comma splices using a different method from the list above for each one.

1. The rain started early, the game was cancelled by noon.
2. She studied all week, the test was easier than she expected.
3. He wanted to apologize, he could not find the right words.