A Comma splice is considered a writing error in English. It occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined with only a comma.

Identifying Comma Splices

1. Check to see if the sentence has two or more independent clauses. Underline all the independent clauses in the sentence.  

2. Observe how the clauses are joined. Are they joined with a comma, a conjunction, a colon, or semi colon?

Acceptable ways to connect independent clauses are

• comma plus coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, for, but, so, yet)

[independent clause] , coordinating conjunction [independent clause].

• semi colon

[independent clause] ; [independent clause].

• semi colon plus conjunctive adverb

[independent clause] ; conjunctive adverb , [independent clause].

• colon

[independent clause] : [independent clause].

Revising Comma Splices

1. Create complete sentences out of the comma splice by separating the independent clauses with a period.  

Example:

I’m looking forward to the Berlin literary festival this year, I’d like to meet some German authors. (comma splice)

Revised:

​I’m looking forward to the Berlin Literary Festival this year. I’d like to meet some German authors.

2 (a) Add the right coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). This will turn the comma splice into a sentence with two or more independent clauses also known as a compound sentence.

2 (b) Punctuate the compound sentence by adding a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Adding a comma to the conjunction will create a clear separation between the independent clauses in the sentence.

Example:

By 3 a.m., Amanda had still not returned from the party, I went to Lucy’s house to look for her. (comma splice)

Revised:

By 3 a.m., Amanda had still not returned from the party, so I went to Lucy’s house to look for her. (compound sentence)

3 (a) Replace the comma with a semi colon.

3 (b) Use a semi colon and the right conjunctive adverb.

Examples of conjunctive adverbs

• again
• also
• accordingly
• further
• furthermore
• moreover
• anyway
• meanwhile
• besides
• next
• consequently
• conversely
• then
• thereafter
• therefore
• now
• hence
• henceforth
• incidentally
• undoubtedly
• certainly

Example: 

Paul cleaned the kitchen, Alice took care of the laundry. (comma splice)

Revised: 

Paul cleaned the kitchen; meanwhile, Alice took care of the laundry.

Paul cleaned the kitchen; Alice, meanwhile, took care of the laundry.

Note:

(i) The conjunctive adverb does not always have to follow immediately after the semi colon.

(ii) A comma should follow the conjunctive adverb.

4. Replace the comma with a colon.

​Rule: Use a colon when the following clause explains or provides examples of the idea mentioned in the first clause.

Example 1: 

I want you to remember one important fact, this is my town. (comma splice)

Revised:

I want you to remember one important fact: this is my town.

Example 2: 

Eric bought some fruits at the store today, two pineapples, one watermelon and a bag of apples.  (comma splice)

​Revised

Eric bought some fruits at the store today: two pineapples, one watermelon and a bag of apples.