What is a comma splice?

Answer

A run-on sentence is when two or more simple sentences run together without correct punctuation.

A particular type of run-on sentence is called a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when a comma is used alone between two sentences.  

A comma is strong enough to hold two small things together, such as phrases, but it must be paired with a conjunction to hold sentences together.

Example: Joe plays varsity football; he is the team's starting quarterback. A comma is not strong enough to hold these two sentences together; a different type of punctuation is needed. 

This comma splice is easy to repair. Just do one of the following:

  1. Break it into two sentences: Joe plays varsity football. He is the team's starting quarterback.
  2. Separate the sentences with a semicolon: Joe plays varsity football; he is the team's starting quarterback.
  3. Use a connecting word (and, or, yet, so, for, nor, but) to form a compound sentence: Joe plays varsity football and is the team's starting quarterback.

You may also find this answer about proper comma usage helpful. Another helpful answer is about fixing run-on sentences.

  • Last Updated Aug 08, 2023
  • Views 766
  • Answered By Kerry Louvier

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