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.
____ 1. Don't go in there, you will be horrified. Comma Splice
____ 2. She was, however, tired and worn out. Correct
____ 3. First, I must go shopping, then I have to decide what to fix for dinner. Comma Splice
____ 4. Maria is running a temperature of 102, therefore, she should not go to school today. Comma Splice
____ 5. Although she had a fever, Maria still wanted to go to school. Correct
____ 6. Mary Grace Thompson lives with her divorced father, for her mother ran away with the local tax collector. Correct
____ 7. Every day Frank brings calm to other people's catastrophes, however, now catastrophe has struck his life. Comma Splice
____ 8. I was sick last week, consequently I've fallen behind in my work. Comma Splice
____ 9. Not only had her goals changed, she spent less time with her friends. Comma Splice
____10. She knew that at home her endless horse talk was boring, yet she wouldn't stop long enough for her father to ask about her symptoms. Correct