Rams Write: Comma Splices

Commas are used to connect:

• two dependent clauses

• an independent clause and a dependent clause 

Commas are NOT used to connect:

• two independent clauses

To correct comma splices:

• Use a period to separate one sentence into two.
• Use a semi-colon instead of a comma in order to combine two independent clauses.
• Keep the comma, but add a conjunction after the comma (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). 
• Use a dash to separate or join the clauses.
• Change one dependent clause into an independent clause.

When to use a comma

Example 1

Incorrect: The sun is out, we have to put on some sunscreen.

Correct: The sun is out. We have to put on some sunscreen.

Explanation: The incorrect example links two independent clauses connected by a comma. We fixed the comma splice by creating two separate sentences.

Example 2

Incorrect: I’m thinking of skipping English class, it’s really boring.

Correct: I’m thinking of skipping English class; it’s really boring.

Explanation: We are allowed to use a semicolon or period in order to separate two independent clauses, but not a comma. We corrected the error by using a semicolon.

Example 3

Incorrect: It’s Saturday night, let’s go out and party.

Correct: It’s Saturday night. Let’s go out and party.

Explanation: A comma should only be used if there is a dependent clause. If you can make two complete sentences, you don't need a comma.

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Comma Splices Explained

Example 1

Incorrect: I went to the mall, Jane was there.

Correct: I went to the mall. Jane was there.

Explanation: The first example was wrong because "I went to the mall" and "Jane was there" are both independent clauses, so it is grammatically incorrect to link these two sentences together with a comma. 

We can fix this by making "I went to the mall" and "Jane was there" into two different sentences.

Example 2

Fixing comma splices with a coordinating conjunction 

Incorrect : I went to the mall, Jane was there.

Correct: I went to the mall, and Jane was there.

Explanation: You can join two independent clauses together by adding a coordinating conjunction after the comma like "and." 

Example 3

Fixing comma splices with a subordinating conjunction 

Incorrect: I went to the mall, Jane was there.

Correct: When I went to the mall, Jane was there. OR I went to the mall because Jane was there. 

Explanation: By adding a subordinating conjunction, you are turning one of your independent clauses into a dependent clause. 

(Note: If your dependent clause comes first, you must use a comma to join the two clauses. If your dependent clause is second, no comma is required.)

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