Comma splices: How to knock this opponent out cold

Comma splices: How to knock this opponent out cold

Over the last ten years or so, a punctuation error that was once rare has started to become popular. For some reason, those who seem to use it the most appear to be younger: mid-30s and under.

Here’s what it is and how to fix it.

What is a comma splice?

Here are some examples:

  • I got up late this morning, I didn’t have time for breakfast.
  • I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.
  • The sun is high, put on some sunblock.

Notice that on either side of the comma in each example is an independent clause. In other other words, each statement could be a separate sentence.

How do I fix a comma splice?

There are three main ways to fix a comma splice:

  1. Separate them into sentences
  2. Add a conjunction
  3. Make one of the clauses subordinate (or dependent)

Separating them into sentences

Here is what our examples look like using this technique:

  • I got up late this morning. I didn’t have time for breakfast.
  • I completed my essay. I have not submitted it.
  • The sun is high. Put on some sunblock.

Alternatively, if the clauses are clearly connected and their ideas are closely related, you could replace the period with a semi-colon.

Add a conjunction

Usually, just adding a coordinating conjunction can do the trick:

  • I got up late this morning, and I didn’t have time for breakfast.
  • I completed my essay, but I have not submitted it.
  • The sun is high, so put on some sunblock.

This feels a bit more natural then the cold, hard, ruthless periods used in the previous section.

Make one of the clauses subordinate

This basically means make one of the clauses dependent on the other. For example:

  • Because I got up late this morning, I didn’t have time for breakfast.
  • Even though I completed my essay, I have not submitted it.
  • Since the sun is high, put on some sunblock.

What tricks do you use for combatting comma splices?

By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.