🔑 What Is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined together with only a comma. This is a common mistake in English, but it’s easy to fix once you know the rules.

Example of a Comma Splice:

• I love writing, it is very relaxing.

Here, “I love writing” and “it is very relaxing” are both complete sentences, so they cannot be connected with just a comma.

1. 🛠️ Strategies to Avoid Comma Splices

a) Use a Period

The simplest way to fix a comma splice is to break it into two separate sentences.

• I love writing. It is very relaxing.

b) Use a Semicolon

Semicolons work perfectly to join two closely related ideas.

• I love writing; it is very relaxing.

c) Add a Coordinating Conjunction

Use one of the FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) after the comma to properly connect the clauses.

• I love writing, and it is very relaxing.

d) Use a Subordinating Conjunction

Transform one clause into a dependent clause to show a relationship between the two ideas.

• Because I love writing, it is very relaxing.

2. ⚠️ Common Mistakes and Tips

• Overusing Commas: Many learners think commas can join any two ideas, but remember, commas alone can’t handle independent clauses!
• Forgetting the FANBOYS Rule: Coordinating conjunctions need to come after a comma to create a correct sentence.

3. 🌟 Practice Exercises

Try fixing these comma splices using any of the strategies above:

1. I enjoy reading, it helps me relax.
2. She is very tired, she stayed up all night.
3. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect for a picnic.

✅ Answers

1. I enjoy reading. It helps me relax. (Or: I enjoy reading; it helps me relax. / I enjoy reading, and it helps me relax.)
2. She is very tired because she stayed up all night. (Or: She is very tired. She stayed up all night.)
3. The sun was shining; the weather was perfect for a picnic. (Or: The sun was shining, and the weather was perfect for a picnic.)