COMMA SPLICE = COMMA FAULT

A comma splice, or comma fault, refers to the incorrect use of a comma between two independent
clauses.

A fused sentence, or run-on sentence, consists of two independent clauses run together without any
punctuation at all.

1) Locating comma splices and fused sentences

You can find comma splices and fused sentences by remembering that they commonly occur in
certain contexts.

 With transitional words and phrases such as however, therefore, and for example

 When an explanation or an example is given in the second sentence

Comma splice: Our division’s reports are posted on our Web page, hard copies are available by
request.

Revision 1: Our division’s reports are posted on our Web page; hard copies are available by request.

Revision 2: Our division’s reports are posted on our Web page. Hard copies are available by request.

A dependent clause includes a subordinating conjunction such as although or because, which

indicates how the dependent and independent clauses are related (in a cause-and-effect relationship,
for example).

A prepositional phrase includes a preposition such as in, on, or because of that may also signal a
relationship directly. Verbal, appositive, and absolute phrases suggest relationships less directly
because they do not include connecting words.
Comma splice: The wind had blown down trees and power lines, the whole city was without electricity for
several hours.

Revision 1: Because the wind had blown down power lines, the whole city was without electricity for
several hours. [dependent clause]

Revision 2: Because of the downed power lines, the whole city was without electricity for several hours.
[prepositional phrase]
Revision 3: The wind having blown down power lines, the whole city was without electricity for several
hours. [absolute phrase]

(4) Integrating one clause into the other

When you integrate clauses, you will generally retain the important details but omit or change some
words.

Fused sentence: The proposal covers all but one point it does not describe how the project will be
assessed.

Revision: The proposal covers all the points except assessment procedures.

(5) Using transitional words or phrases to link independent clauses

Another way to revise fused sentences and comma splices is to use transitional words and phrases
such as however, on the contrary, and in the meantime.