What is a comma splice?
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as sentences) are joined only by a comma. This creates a grammatical error because commas alone are not strong enough to connect two complete sentences.
How to identify a comma splice:
1. Look for two independent clauses joined by a comma.
* Independent clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
* Example:
* "The cat sat on the mat, the dog barked at the door."
* "The sun shines brightly, we can go for a walk."
2. Check if the sentence makes sense grammatically.
* If you feel a pause or a lack of connection between the two clauses, it's likely a comma splice.
How to fix a comma splice:
Here are several ways to correct a comma splice:
* Use a semicolon: The semicolon is the strongest punctuation mark for connecting independent clauses.
* Example: "The cat sat on the mat; the dog barked at the door."
* Use a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS): These conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) are used with a comma to join independent clauses.
* Example: "The sun shines brightly, so we can go for a walk."
* Use a period: Separate the clauses into two distinct sentences.
* Example: "The cat sat on the mat. The dog barked at the door."
* Use a subordinating conjunction: These conjunctions (because, although, since, while, etc.) create a dependent clause, which can be joined to an independent clause with a comma.
* Example: "Because the sun shines brightly, we can go for a walk."
Tip: If you're unsure about a comma's role, try reading the sentence aloud. If it feels like a run-on, you probably have a comma splice!