Comma splices occur when two independent clauses (sentences that can stand alone) are joined into one sentence with only a comma.
This is usually considered grammatically incorrect, or at least an error in style.
A comma by itself usually is not enough and should is accompanied by a coordinating conjunction. In some cases, a semicolon (;) may be used instead of a comma, but both sentences remain seperate so a coordinating conjunction is not used.
Preventing Comma Splices[]
Main Article: Coordinating Conjunctions
Either separate the sentences with a period or add coordinating conjuctions, which are words that link two parts of a sentence. All of the conjunctions are summed up using this acronym, FANBOY:
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
An older acronym is "andbutornorfor" but it does not include yet.
Examples[]
A comma splice (bad style, usually considered incorrect!):
- "I decided to order a hamburger, the waitress apologetically told me that they ran out of hamburger buns."
To correct the sentence, either seperate the sentence into two or completely join the sentences using a conjunction:
- "I decided to order a hamburger. The waitress apologetically tole me that they ran out of hamburger buns."
- "I decided to order a hamburger, but the waitress apologetically told me that they ran out of hamburger buns."