Commas splice (CS): A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma.
Comma splice: IC, IC.
Example: We hiked for three weeks, we were very tired.
Some Easy Ways to Correct Comma Splices
1. Change the comma to a period and capitalize the next word. (IC. IC.)
Correct: We hiked for three weeks. We were very tired.
2. Change the comma to a semicolon. (IC; IC.)
Correct: We hiked for three weeks; we were very tired.
3. Add a coordinating conjunction
before the second independent clause.
Coordinating conjunctions: and, or, but,
nor, for, so, yet. (IC, CC IC)
Correct: We hiked for three weeks, so we were very tired.
Caution: Don't simply delete the comma; this will create a run-on or fused sentence.
Directions: For each sentence below, write CS if the sentence is a comma splice or C if the sentence is correct. Correct any comma splices using one of the methods described above. Suggested corrections are in red.
1. My son was a very healthy child; however, my daughter is often sick. Comma Splice
2. My daughter, however, has never broken a bone.
3. Geoffrey broke his wrist by falling from a seesaw, but he broke his arm by falling from a ladder. Comma Splice
4. The seesaw accident was not his fault; however, he should not have been on the ladder. Comma Splice
5. He was supposed to be watching his little sister; instead he was hanging lights for an end-of-year party. Comma Splice
6. I let him invite his friends to the party, but I did not know he had 200 friends. Comma Splice
7. The party was a nightmare for me;furthermore, it bothered the neighbors. Comma Splice
8. There were teenagers everywhere; for example, they filled the kitchen, the living room, the deck, and even the loft in the garage. Comma Splice
9. At 10:00 p.m. I asked these teens to go home; by midnight there were only 12 "friends" left. Comma Splice
10. All twelve asked to spend the night, and five of the 12 were girls.