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What Is a Comma Splice? With Examples

Grammarly
Updated on
June 1, 2023
GRAMMAR

When you join two independent clauses with a comma and no conjunction, it’s
called a comma splice. Some people consider this a type of run-on sentence,
while other people think of it as a punctuation error.

Here’s an example of a comma splice: Koala bears are not actually bears, they
are marsupials.

There are three ways to fix a comma splice. You can add a conjunction, change
the comma to a semicolon, or make each independent clause its own
sentence.

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What is a comma splice?

A comma splice is a particular kind of comma mistake that happens when you use
a comma to join two independent clauses. Here’s an example:

Incorrect Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials.

How can you tell that’s a comma splice? Look at the group of words before the
comma.

Example Koala bears are not actually bears

Did you notice that this group of words can stand by itself as a complete
sentence? That means it’s an independent clause.

Now look at the group of words after the comma.

Example They are marsupials

This group of words can also stand by itself as a complete sentence. It’s another
independent clause.

When you have two independent clauses, a comma is not strong enough to glue
them together.

How to fix a comma splice

There are three common ways to fix a comma splice. Let’s look at a new example:

Incorrect I am not angry with you, I am not happy with you, either.

Fix #1: Add a conjunction

One way to fix a comma splice is to add a conjunction immediately after the
comma. With most comma splices, the conjunction you’ll want to add is probably
and, but, or so.

Correct I am not angry with you, but I am not happy with you, either.

Fix #2: Change the comma to a semicolon

If adding a conjunction doesn’t seem to work, you can change the comma to a
semicolon instead. Unlike commas, semicolons are strong enough to glue two
independent clauses together.

Correct I am not angry with you; I am not happy with you, either.

If you decide to use a semicolon, make sure there is a close, logical connection
between the two independent clauses.

Fix #3: Make separate sentences

If adding a conjunction doesn’t seem to work and using a semicolon feels too
stuffy, you can fix a comma splice by simply making each independent clause a
separate sentence.

Correct I am not angry with you. I am not happy with you, either.

Examples of comma splices

Are you getting the hang of it? Here are a few more examples of comma splices
and possible corrections.

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

Adding a conjunction like and or but after the comma in the sentence above
doesn’t really make sense. But there does seem to be a close, logical connection
between the first independent clause (I’m thinking of skipping English class) and
the second independent clause (it’s really boring). This is the perfect situation for
a semicolon.

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

You could also break those two independent clauses apart and make them
separate sentences.

Correct I’m thinking of skipping English class. It’s really boring.

Let’s try another:

Incorrect Daniel was late, we left without him.

In this case, the conjunction so fits the bill.

Correct Daniel was late, so we left without him.

Or you could use a semicolon.

Correct Daniel was late; we left without him.

Or you could make two sentences, especially if you want to sound blunt.

Correct Daniel was late. We left without him.

Are comma splices ever OK?

Yes! You should avoid comma splices in formal writing, but now that you know the
rule, you can sometimes break it in more artistic types of writing.

In fiction, for instance, you might use a comma splice to convey a character’s
racing thoughts or observations.

Example She was beautiful, she was gorgeous, she was ravishing.

Comma splices can also create a sense of grandeur in rhetoric, but only if they’re
used sparingly.

Example I came, I saw, I conquered.

And in poetry, of course, the rules are even more relaxed. Sometimes, a comma
splice creates just the right rhythm.

Example Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at
close of day . . .

That’s it! Now you’re ready to get out there and use your commas with confidence.

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